HP hires former Golin director to handle communications for APJ

Golin Singapore executive director Geraldine Kan (pictured) has taken up a new role as HP’s head of communications for Asia Pacific and Japan. The move was confirmed by both Kan and Golin Singapore.She replaces Richard Sumich, who left HP in November last year, taking on a role as head of communications public affairs, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Asia Pacific.During her tenure in Golin, Kan reported to Tarun Deo, managing director of Singapore and Southeast Asia. She joined the agency in 2014 to lead the firm’s relationship with key government, technology and corporate clients. Replacing her is Chomaine Chai, who has now been appointed executive director, corporate practice. Kan’s remit at HP starts today, while Chai has been with Golin since March this year.Prior to her appointment, Chai was vice president at Ruder Finn Southeast Asia. Before that, she spent four years in FleishmanHillard as senior vice president and partner, general manager, where she grew the Malaysia market.Meanwhile, Kan has worked with a diverse range of organisations across multiple sectors. After working with IBM for a decade in Singapore and in New York, she lead Lenovo’s Asia Pacific and emerging markets communications function. Her portfolio included external, internal, executive communication as well as analyst relations.She then started a boutique communications agency, where her clients included local consumer brands as well as technology multinationals. Prior to her role at Golin, Kan was head of marketing and communications, at Singapore’s national arts centre, The Esplanade Company.