Financial PR, marketing and communications firm, Honner, has announced the formation of a new Executive Committee (EXCO) and two new global agency hires, as part of its strategy to extend operations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Senior Consultants, Craig Morris and Samantha Rockliff, have been appointed Partners, and will join Founder, Philippa Honner, and Managing Partner, Susie Bell, on a newly formed Executive Committee. The EXCO will focus on driving the agency's expansion into key APAC markets, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.
As part of its Asia growth strategy, Honner is also expanding its regional delivery model by establishing a network of integrated agency partners across key Asia markets. The partnerships will complement the skills and sector expertise within the agency's team, providing clients with access to local insights, cultural nuance, language capability and media relationships across financial centres, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Philippa said the focus on Asia was driven by increasing demand from both local and global financial clients - many of which have built substantial local operations on the back of Australia's supersized savings and investment sector.
"Australia is a hotbed of global firms looking to service a growing pool of private wealth and retirement savings and many are seeking a more regional approach," she said.
The strengthened regional platform is further supported by the appointment of two new Account Managers:
- Ambika Gogna, who joined from Prosek Partners in New York, brings experience in financial communications across banking, insurance and wealth in the US market.
- Amelia Beale, formerly of SEC Newgate in London, offers credentials in ESG, corporate affairs, and Australian government campaigns.
On the appointments, Philippa said: "We are excited to welcome such strong new talent, and to build on the international opportunities we can offer our clients.
"At our core, we believe great financial brands deserve great storytelling. It's incredibly rewarding to see the real impact our work has - helping clients cut through complexity, build credibility and connect with the audiences that matter most. The industry has changed a lot over the years, but that purpose has stayed the same."