Ruder Finn acquires SharpeLankester's Asia-Pacific portfolio

Ruder Finn has acquired the Asia-Pacific portfolio of SharpeLankester, an international consultancy specialising in reputation management, crisis communications and investor relations.Previously partner at SharpeLankester, Charles Lankester has been appointed to take on the new role of senior VP of reputation management in the Asia-Pacific at Ruder Finn.Based in Hong Kong, Lankester will also be responsible for Ruder Finn’s client services, management and business operations in the city.Prior to founding SharpeLankester, Lankester was global chairman of crisis practice and regional MD of Asia-Pacific corporate practice at Edelman, working with 16 offices across the region to develop Edelman's global risk and crisis management capabilities.Jean-Michel Dumont, chairman of Ruder Finn Asia said, “With more than 20 years’ experience in Asia-Pacific and Europe, at both large and small firms, Charles brings insight, drive and an entrepreneurial approach.""He will be building our reputation management capabilities across Asia, including sustainability, risk and crisis management, as well as providing corporate counsel.”Meanwhile, Cynthia Wan joins Ruder Finn Hong Kong as director.She previously worked as press and information officer at the European Union Office for Hong Kong and Macau for three years.In that role, she devised diplomatic initiatives to promote EU values and policies locally, maintained and built media relationships, as well as coordinating senior EU officials’ visits and organising public outreach events.