Yonnie Woo Joins Ketchum as General Manager, South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, one of the world's leading communications firms, today announced Yonnie Woo has joined the agency as general manager of its recently acquired office in South Korea.  As general manager, Woo will be responsible for agency operations and supporting both multinational and domestic clients with a particular focus on such specializations as brand marketing, technology, digital, and public and government affairs, among others. She joins Ketchum from The Hoffman Agency, where she was general manager of the firm's South Korean operations.

Woo will report to Jon Higgins, senior partner and CEO, International, for Ketchum. The office will continue to collaborate closely with other offices and affiliates throughout Ketchum's global network, and in particular within the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region.

"Yonnie is one of Korea's most accomplished and respected communications practitioners, and we are thrilled to attract someone of her caliber to this critical leadership position. She's built a strong business at Hoffman and has recently worked with some of the world's most well-known brands," said Higgins. "This is just the latest in a series of significant, recent enhancements to our capabilities within the Asia-Pacific region, and it also will further strengthen our ability to represent our clients' interests within Korea as we approach the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games."

Woo previously served as a director at Burson-Marsteller, where she had oversight for major clients including VISA International Korea, LG Electronics, the 2002 Busan Asian Games, Seoul City Government, South Korea Ministry of Finance and Economy, and the 2010 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Bid Committee. She began her career with Korean Air.

"Moving to one of the largest and most respected international agencies represents the ideal career opportunity for me," said Woo. "Joining Ketchum's South Korean team at a time when it has so much growth potential appeals to my entrepreneurial spirit, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to build on the world-class team that is already in place. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to help our clients meet their strategic communications objectives, and I'm eager to support the agency's continued growth and success within South Korea and the entire Asia-Pacific market."

Ketchum's operations in South Korea were established in September when it merged with independent PR firm InComm Brodeur, one of the first indigenous agencies in South Korea.  The merger to establish an office is South Korea is one of several strategic moves Ketchum has made in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years, further strengthening its ability to offer seamless service to global and regional clients. In November, Ketchum announced the acquisition of ICON International Communications, Singapore's largest independently owned public relations consultancy, now known as Ketchum ICON. In 2011, the firm acquired a majority position in its long-established Greater China operations as well as in India, both areas where Ketchum has broad national reach and deep expertise. Ketchum also has strong affiliates throughout the region in several key countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Japan and Pakistan.

About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. The winner of 11 Cannes Lions and an unprecedented three consecutive PRWeek Campaign of the Year Awards, Ketchum partners with clients to deliver strategic programming, game-changing creative and measurable results that build brands and reputations. For more information on Ketchum, a part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., visit www.ketchum.com.

About Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

SOURCE Ketchum