Fleishman-Hillard Named 'Asia-Pacific Consultancy of the Year'

HONG KONG, April 29, 2011 — Fleishman-Hillard International Communications has been named “Asia-Pacific Consultancy of the Year” by The Holmes Report in its annual agency report card. The influential industry publication based its decision on the firm’s 2010 performance and overall industry recognition. Other factors included the company’s strong philosophy, culture, values and strategy, as well as the firm’s client accomplishments and consistent market leadership over time.

2010: A Milestone Year

Through pure organic growth, Fleishman-Hillard has doubled its size in Asia Pacific since 2006, becoming one of the largest and most recognized communications consulting networks in the region. That growth was topped off by a milestone year in 2010, as every office in the firm’s Asia Pacific network posted significant gains – contributing to a regional expansion rate of 29 percent, and an unprecedented headcount increase of 34 percent. Key factors included expansion to Indonesia and further expansion in India with additional offices in Bangalore and New Delhi, as well as the launch of the VOX Global public affairs brand in Japan.

“This is a proud moment for our entire firm, but the honor belongs to the men and women of our Asia Pacific region, who have led this outstanding growth and continued to build our reputation among clients in this dynamic marketplace,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard’s president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to their efforts, we have a client portfolio that’s well balanced between great blue-chip multinational clients from the West and those rapidly emerging from the East. We have increased our range of practices and capabilities and expanded our geographic footprint. We’ve hired and retained highly talented people and shown trusted, consistent and visionary leadership across the board.

“The groundwork is being laid to support Asia Pacific as a central point in our vision for global growth and leadership,” Senay added. “The strategic moves we’re making are already driving tremendous momentum, as our growth and client relationships are increasingly being led from Asia Pacific.”

“We have a fervent belief in the power of local leadership, and we are particularly proud of our success in developing local talent for the long-term sustainability of our business,” said Lynne Anne Davis, Fleishman-Hillard Asia Pacific president. “That’s evidenced by the fact that nearly all of our Asia Pacific offices are headed by leaders native to that particular market. Their local market insights and understanding provide a distinct competitive advantage that significantly benefits our clients and contributes to our growth.

“Since we entered the region in the early ‘90s, the Fleishman-Hillard network in Asia Pacific has grown to include 16 wholly owned operations across nine countries, specializing in consulting on corporate, technology, healthcare and consumer marketing communications, as well as digital and sports business, financial services and investor relations, stakeholder communications, public affairs, crisis and issues management,” said Davis. “Our entrepreneurial spirit is flourishing, as we continuously redefine ourselves and the services we provide to our clients in a rapidly evolving era of communications. Despite the rapid growth, we have upheld our strong emphasis on our culture and guiding principles that put people first.”

Focus on People: Appointment of Asia Pacific Recruitment Manager

In support of its ambitious plans to fuel continued expansion across the region, Fleishman-Hillard has recently appointed Zena Shum as regional recruitment manager, based in Hong Kong. In this newly created role, Shum will be dedicated to developing and implementing recruitment strategies to satisfy the sharp demand for exceptional counselors and leaders across the Asia Pacific region and continuing to position the firm as the industry’s employer of choice. Prior to joining Fleishman-Hillard, Shum was a senior consultant at a recruitment agency specializing in talent acquisition across the media, marketing, advertising and PR industries in Asia.

“Because talent is the lifeblood of our business, Zena is one of the most pivotal hires we will make this year,” Davis said. “Our commitment to ensuring that Fleishman-Hillard continues to be ‘a place where exceptionally talented people do the best work of their lives’ is resonating extremely well with staff, as well as with clients. If we continue to get that right, we will meet our goal to double our size again in the next three years. Having someone as resourceful and passionate as Zena totally focused on mining top talent will make a significant impact on our future.”

Interested applicants may contact her at [email protected].

Overall, Fleishman-Hillard increased its talent development team threefold with the addition of dedicated HR staff in India, China, Singapore and Japan over the past 18 months. These professionals are responsible for training and development, employee benefits, career planning and retention.

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