Tag: FINN Partners

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 – Global independent marketing and communications firm FINN Partners has announced the promotion of Joshua Wang to associate vice president, brand & market intelligence for Asia Pacific.

The promotion, which expands FINN’s regional bench and capabilities across offices, helps position the group for long-term growth in APAC and expands on its client service capabilities.

In his new role, Wang is responsible for leveraging research, data analysis and strategic insight to drive revenue growth, bolster thought leadership initiatives, and foster innovation for FINN and its clients.

Speaking on his promotion, Wang said, “In today’s landscape, clients are navigating tremendous shifts. They rely on us to serve as trusted advisors, delving into their challenges and providing strategic counsel. At the foundational level, the value and brilliance of effective brand strategy is in enabling them to achieve a consistent and recognizable identity, one that enables them to stand out from the crowd.”

Meanwhile, Naeema Ismail, managing partner at FINN Partners Singapore, commented, “Joshua lives and breathes client strategy and intelligence for brands and excels at directing programs that require evaluation from multiple angles. Using research to develop strategies that contribute to clients’ bottom lines, while expanding our offerings and supporting the growth of our advisory and consulting program, we’re further able to enhance our work with data-driven insights that drive business impact.”

Hong Kong – FINN Partners, a global integrated marketing and communications agency, has promoted Annouchka Behrmann, a former senior partner, to managing partner, Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Cathy Feliciano-Chon will take on a new job as managing partner, strategic development, Asia Pacific, after her former position as managing partner and Greater China Lead. 

In her new position, Behrmann’s duties include developing the capabilities and services available to clients, especially in corporate communications and purpose, and improving and growing FINN’s leadership position in travel and tourism, hospitality, design, wellness, and luxury. She will also focus on expanding the agency’s product offerings into other industries, such as consumer, B2B, technology, and health. 

After joining FINN in October 2023, Behrmann—a industry veteran with a track record of growing brands and agencies in Asia Pacific—successfully won major new business wins for the Hong Kong office.

Chon will broaden her responsibilities as managing partner, strategic development, Asia Pacific, concentrating on business development, brand strategy, and thought leadership initiatives to strengthen the agency’s presence in the area. 

As a component of FINN Asia’s management team, Feliciano-Chon joined FINN in 2019 as a managing partner. She has played a role in establishing FINN’s standing as a global leader in travel and tourism, with a portfolio of brands, and a current size and revenue ranking of #1. As a thought leader, she has created important industry tools and trend research, speaks at conferences frequently, and is on the advisory board for the Global Wellness Summit. 

Speaking about the promotions, Howard Solomon, founding managing partner in Asia, said, “Cathy’s new role expands our regional leadership bench so we can grow our capabilities across offices and position the group for long-term sustainable growth in Asia. She brings to this new role over 35 years’ experience in brand strategy and marketing communications with clients and projects throughout the region, a track record in thought leadership and a formidable network.” 

Meanwhile, Peter Finn stated, “The growth that we’ve achieved in Asia thus far wouldn’t be possible without the amazing leadership we have in the region. Cathy and Annouchka along with our other Asia Pacific leads know the market well and bring a level of excellence and client service that is second to none. Given our expansive footprint, unrivalled depth and breadth of sector expertise, and flexible ONE FINN model that allows us to offer clients best-in-class, full-service capabilities within a nimble collaborative model, I believe FINN is best positioned to be the go-to agency for clients in need of integrated marketing and communications services.”