Singapore – Global independent marketing and communications firm FINN Partners, has acquired Singapore-based, strategic communications and public relations consultancy RICE Communications (RICE). By bolstering FINN’s sizable existing presence in Singapore, the addition of RICE will amount to nearly 100 total employees in that market.
The move also adds new FINN offices in Thailand and Myanmar, in addition to building on the firm’s presence in Hong Kong and reinitiating the firm’s presence in the Philippines, ensuring FINN can offer support to clients across all key Southeast Asian markets.
Moreover, the firm will be known as ‘RICE, A FINN Partners Company.’ James Brasher, RICE Managing Partner, joins FINN as managing partner and lead for the agency’s combined Singapore office.
With this move, RICE becomes part of the FINN APAC region, overseen by Howard Solomon, founding managing partner, who also leads FINN efforts on the West Coast of the US. In his new role, Brasher will grow the firm’s reputation as a communications and public relations powerhouse in Asia Pacific. He will also become a member of the APAC leadership team, working closely with regional leaders in Greater China, India, and Malaysia.
As part of this transition, Naeema Ismail takes on a new regional role in Strategic Business Development & Crisis Communications, Asia Pacific. She will focus on expanding new business opportunities across key sectors. In addition, she will drive crisis communications advisory across the region. Naeema will also lead the development of structured crisis training services, alongside media and presentation coaching, to further enhance FINN’s client offerings and regional expertise.
Both parties have assured that there are no staff redundancies following the business move.
Peter Finn, CEO and founding partner at FINN, said, “From the beginning, my vision for FINN Partners has been to create a world-class agency with unmatched depth of sector expertise and integrated services to benefit clients wherever they are in the world. We have made great progress transforming from a leading US agency to a true global player. We established London as our European headquarters, expanding our expertise in consumer, tech, health, travel and financial services to the EMEA market.”
He added, “Recognising the increasing importance of Asia as one of the fastest-growing economic zones globally, we expanded into the region several years later with Singapore as our Asia headquarters, offering deep expertise in B2B and tech, followed by the addition of integrated travel and lifestyle agency CatchOn, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. We also bolstered our global health expertise and integrated marketing capabilities with the addition of SPAG in India. The acquisition of RICE builds on our collaborative approach to growth. Given our expansive footprint, unrivaled depth and breadth of sector expertise, and flexible ONE FINN model, FINN is best positioned to be the go-to agency for clients in need of integrated marketing and communications services.”
Meanwhile, Brasher commented, “Our vision is underpinned by our commitment towards stewardship – to take care of the team, clients, and the community so we can look after the future. As part of FINN Partners, our momentum will be greatly accelerated, especially since the businesses and, importantly, values and culture are so closely aligned. This partnership enables our team and clients to tap on FINN’s capabilities, expertise, resources and network – just as we complement theirs with our deep roots, diversity of perspectives and capabilities across Asia Pacific.”
Lastly, Solomon stated, “After spending time with James and his team, we knew that they were a perfect fit for FINN Partners. They are passionate about the work they do for their clients, their expertise complements and strengthens our vertical expertise, and they believe in the value of collaboration as a key to their success.”
