Edelman names Japan CEO

Singapore-headquartered independent integrated communications agency, APRW, has appointed Ng Chip Keng as Partner to lead its new Corporate & Financial Communications practice.

According to the agency, the expansion responds to client demand, with the new practice adding a dedicated capital markets capability to APRW's existing services, including its readiness and advisory arm, Knowledge Studio (APRW KnowS).

Chip will advise boards and management teams of listed companies, financial institutions, family offices, and private businesses on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, investor and analyst relations, financial services marketing, thought leadership, and issues, crises and litigation.

"In an IPO, an acquisition or a legal dispute, everything a company says is scrutinised by investors, regulators, employees and the media at once. Boards need advisors who understand the business and the deal, not just the message." said Chip.

Chip's career includes senior in-house communications roles at Sembcorp Industries and RHTLaw Taylor Wessing, as well as positions at global consultancies. He also chairs the Professional Advisory Committee at the Singapore University of Social Sciences’ Faculty of Communications & Film Studies.

"We are delighted to welcome Chip to the APRW partnership," said Cho Pei Lin, Managing Partner of APRW.

“He has worked both in-house and in consultancy, and he brings the judgement boards and CEOs look for when the stakes are high, whether it is a listing, a deal or a dispute. As we mark our 30th year, his appointment is another step in APRW’s continued growth, and his expertise and values are very much aligned with ours.”

Uber has appointed Ogilvy as its public relations agency of record across Hong Kong and Macau, following a competitive multi-agency pitch.

Under the remit, Ogilvy will support Uber’s in-house corporate communications team, covering corporate reputation, media relations, issues preparedness and thought leadership across both markets.

In Hong Kong, the agency will focus on strengthening Uber’s corporate brand reputation and engagement with stakeholders. In Macau, its work will focus on building brand visibility, consumer affinity and stakeholder engagement around Uber Taxi services.

Clara Shek, President, Hong Kong, Ogilvy Public Relations & Influence, said: “Urban mobility across the region is evolving rapidly, making this a pivotal chapter for the transportation ecosystem.

“Navigating this space requires an agile communications engine that delivers across earned, owned and social channels. We are thrilled to partner with Uber to articulate their role in shaping the future of urban movement across both Hong Kong and Macau.”

John Hobday has been named CEO of SEC Newgate Middle East, with a focus on business growth and expanding the firm’s specialisms into new sectors.

John brings more than 25 years of experience in financial communications and corporate affairs, advising global corporations, Middle East institutions, investors and key regional players across all Gulf Cooperation Council markets.

He joins from FGS Global, where he spent seven years as Partner in its Dubai office, leading the development of the firm’s regional business with a focus on capital markets.

His appointment follows the departure of Elena Gramatica, former CEO and Founding Partner of SEC Newgate Middle East.

Fiorenzo Tagliabue, CEO of SEC Newgate, said: “Middle East is one of our key strategic priorities as we see increasing demand for strategic advice, especially in our core specialism area of corporate affairs.

“John has a perfect profile combining long term working experience with international brands, full understanding of the Middle East context and an extensive network of relations with key stakeholders and influencers. With John leading our incredible teams in UAE and KSA we can offer the right answers to tackle the many demanding challenges we see in reputation management, investment promotion and business positioning we see arising in these markets.”

Fiorenzo added: “Last and not least I wish to thank Elena Gramatica for her strong leadership and contribution when we decided to start together this business back in 2021.”