WE Communications to close Hong Kong office in May

WE Communications is closing its Hong Kong office as the COVID-19 pandemic, and last year’s citywide protests against the extradition bill and the Hong Kong government, have greatly impacted the agency’s business, Marketing understands. 

A source has told Marketing the agency’s business has declined significantly since last summer’s protests in Hong Kong. In 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 has further impacted its business, as the Hong Kong office adopts a consumer-focused approach which is heavily linked to the economy. 

However, it’s reported the decision of closing the Hong Kong office was made late last year and was not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Global COO Kass Sells said last year’s protests had severely affected Hong Kong’s consumer market, while returns of operating in Hong Kong had also diminished.

The source agreed the protests and COVID-19 had hastened the closure of the Hong Kong office. The decision to close the office was made internally last week, but more than 10 employees will continue to work for it until the end of May. 

However, WE Communications will still pursue business in Hong Kong, but it will be done through the agency’s network in Asia. The Hong Kong office’s remaining clients will be handled by WE Communications’ offices in Shanghai and Singapore.

WE Communications entered Hong Kong in 2005 when it acquired Shout Communications. In recent years, the office has experienced several senior-level reshuffles, including last year, when Kevin Hartnett took over the position of general manager after Anne Geronimi had left the agency.

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