Tag: Communications firm

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.”

Singapore – RICE, a strategic communications firm, has just opened operations in Thailand and the Philippines, capping 15 years of expansion around Asia. This initiative broadens the firm’s reach beyond its existing operations in Singapore, Myanmar, and Hong Kong. 

The expansion highlights social impact as a primary goal, utilising RICE’s ESG communications experience and partnerships with international development organisations, non-profit organisations, and global corporations. Leading the regional expansion initiatives and overseeing operations in Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines is Donna Garcia as its firm’s partner and regional director.

Now that the offices in Thailand and the Philippines are up and running, RICE is committed to offering thorough insights, tailored strategies, and involvement that is grounded in meaningful results.

Speaking about the expansion, Garcia said, “Our expansion into Thailand and the Philippines aligns with our larger vision of stewardship, which focuses on how RICE and our people can positively impact our team, clients, and the wider community. We’re not only broadening our reach geographically; we’re building creative impact hubs similar to what we’ve established in Myanmar, and making services more accessible to non-profits, NGOs, and social enterprises in the region.” 

She added, “As we grow, we deepen our commitment to this philosophy by employing marginalised people who might otherwise find it challenging to land meaningful roles in our industry. In Thailand, RICE has partnered with Education for the Deaf (EDeaf) to train and hire graphic designers from their network.” 

Meanwhile, James Brasher, managing partner at RICE, said, “The Philippines and Thailand offer RICE plenty of opportunity for growth and social good. Guided by our vision, we’re always looking at how our work can make a positive contribution to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.”

Singapore – Global communications firm Edelman has recently promoted Ashutosh Munshi, its head of brand for India division, to assume the same position for a regional scope – Edelman’s operations in Asia Pacific.

Through his new role, Munshi is tasked with overseeing the launch of new regional capabilities for the Brand practice, involving stronger integration and collaboration across Edelman’s strategy, creative, data and analytics, influencer, digital, and public relations capabilities.

Prior to his recent position, Munshi has worked with Edelman for 18 years, and has worked in its Mumbai, London, and New York offices during this time. As head of brand for Edelman India, he has led the market’s Brand and Creative teams on the creation of new communications products for authentic influencer marketing, brand campaign risk assessments, and the firm’s earned creative capability.

“This year has seen a paradigm shift in how brands need to communicate and engage with consumers and society at large. At Edelman, we believe that it has become even more critical for brands to navigate these changes, in order to earn attention and play a larger role in society. This involves adopting a marketing approach reset that places action at the core, striking the right tone with earned-centric creative ideas, and using trusted voices and credible peer channels,” Munshi commented regarding his appointment.

Munshi will report to Edelman’s global chair of brand and F&B, Megan Van Someren, as well as to Stephen Kehoe, CEO of Edelman Asia-Pacific.

“We are delighted to have Ashutosh take on this new role, to which he brings over twenty years of experience integrating and delivering strategic, creative, and insight-driven work. Work that achieves tangible and measurable business outcomes for client partners,” Van Someren said.

She added, “As we look ahead at the new year and at the continuous shifts in consumer expectations, how brands behave matters more than ever before. The time is now for brands to step up and put trust at the helm – and not just through communication but through action and advocacy.”

Meanwhile, Kehoe said, “As a testament to our talent and commitment to grow from within, I am proud to see Ashutosh now take the lead in launching new regional capabilities for our Brand practice, setting the bar higher in areas of brand obsession, curiosity, and excellence.”