Hill+Knowlton sharpens China focus

Hill+Knowlton Strategies has elevated its China operations to region status in a bid to focus on this critical growth market.Prior to the move, China was part of the agency's Asia region."We advise our clients around the world on issues at the intersection of their business and the public, and today one-fifth of that public lives in China," said Jack Martin(pictured), global chairman and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies."To continue to sufficiently grow and service our impressive list of clients in China, as well as those looking to do business there, vigilant focus is critical."Current managing directors of the Beijing and Shanghai offices Ye Yu and Ivy Soonthornsima will share management of the new region. They will take up the roles of co-presidents reporting directly to Martin.Ye and Soonthornsima will each focus on a section of the geographic and practice areas in China. Ye will continue to lead the Beijing office and practice areas including corporate advisory, public affairs, crisis training, healthcare, technology, energy and sustainability.Soonthornsima will oversee the areas of Shanghai, Guangzhou and Pan China, and practice areas including corporate communications, marketing communications and investor relations. She will also be developing two new initiatives in China - one in digital and one in integrated communications and branding strategy.John Morgan, president and CEO, Asia, will continue to manage the Asian countries of Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Korea and Malaysia, as well as the agency's affiliate relationships in the rest of the region.