Singapore – Global advisory and advocacy communications consultancy APCO Worldwide has announced double leadership changes in Singapore as part of the firm’s next phase of growth across Asia, according to its CEO Brad Staples. The new appointments are James Yi as regional senior director of market development, Southeast Asia, Korea and Australasia, and JJ Lee as the new managing director for Southeast Asia.

Having served as managing director of Southeast Asia and Korea for APCO since 2018, Yi will focus more on driving new business and presence in the region across sectors, including health care, technology and in the social impact space. He will collaborate with APCO’s existing leadership in expanding APCO’s presence in key markets across Asia in coordination with both regional and global operations.

Meanwhile, Lee, a seasoned consultant with more than 15 years of experience in policy and strategic communications, has played an integral role in the growth of APCO in Asia. She has held a leadership role with WE Communications APAC prior to joining APCO.

Staples said, “Due to the great success achieved in Southeast Asia under the leadership of James and JJ over the past few years, we are looking to accelerate our plans for continued expansion in the region. APCO seeks to further facilitate growth with the shift in roles, so that we may be well poised to be a more resilient partner and offer the best APCO has to this important and fast-changing geography.”

He added, “This bolstering of our leadership represents our strong commitment to the region and propelling our business forward at this important intersection in regional growth. Coming out of the pandemic, governments, businesses and society all need to collaborate more proactively in establishing the necessary road to take in maximising development and prosperity—APCO wants to ensure we are there to help shape the direction of these organisations as we look into the needs of future society.”