Weber Shandwick has announced a series of appointments to its APAC healthcare public affairs offering.
In Beijing, Vincent Pung has been appointed Vice President, Healthcare Public Affairs, APAC. This role sees him leading the work of the regional healthcare policy team and supporting Weber Shandwick's healthcare and biopharmaceutical clients in their policy, stakeholder, and reputation challenges across APAC. Vincent brings with him experience in healthcare, public affairs, and strategic communications, as well as digital health and clinical experience.
In Tokyo, Keita Taniwaki has returned to Weber Shandwick as Senior Vice President, Head of Public Affairs, Japan. He began his career at the firm and went on to build up more than two decades of experience in corporate affairs, government relations, and reputation management. With work in policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and organisational transformation, Keita previously held senior leadership roles at Viatris Japan, Teva-Takeda Pharma, and Nippon Otis.
In Singapore, Charline Bloch has taken on the role of Account Director, Client Experience, Healthcare. She leads client work across medical aesthetics, vaccines, and broader healthcare comms, and also served as a point of contact for Weber Shandwick's Public Affairs Division in Singapore to deliver integrated client solutions. Previously based in Europe and the UK, Charline brings with her experience in message development, campaign launches, and influencer engagement.
The three new hires are to work with the wider Weber Shandwick healthcare public affairs team in the region: Seongmi Jeon, Vice President Healthcare, in Seoul and Sonika Bakshi, Senior Vice President and Head of Healthcare & Social Impact, in Mumbai, who look after healthcare public affairs and policy projects in South Korea and India, respectively.
Robert Magyar, Acting Managing Director, China & Head of Healthcare, Weber Shandwick, APAC, said: “These additions to our healthcare team reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the sector. Healthcare clients today face unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and our new colleagues bring the expertise, creativity, and passion needed to navigate these complexities and deliver measurable results across the region."
(Pictured from left to right: Vincent Pung, Keita Taniwaki, Charline Bloch)
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James Foster, SVP Global Marketing at HUGO BOSS, said: "As we look to accelerate the next phase of growth for our brands, it was important to find an accomplished, like-minded partner that could bring together strategic thinking, cultural expertise and international scale.
“M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment demonstrated a deep understanding of our brands, our vision and the audiences we want to reach. Their experience across fashion, sport and culture, combined with a truly connected global approach, made them the ideal partner as we continue to strengthen the presence and perception of BOSS and HUGO worldwide."
Laura Coller, UK CEO of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, said: "As two of the world’s most recognisable premium fashion and lifestyle brands, BOSS and HUGO represent a significant addition to our portfolio. We can’t wait to start our journey with the team and evolve and expand these iconic brands into new and exciting spaces together.”
Robin Clarke, Global CEO of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment said, “Leading both global and local responsibilities through one integrated international team is a key strength of ours, and we're excited to be part of bringing the vision of BOSS and HUGO to life in markets around the world."
FTI Consulting has announced a series of senior appointments to the financial communications and special situations practice within its strategic communications segment across Asia.
Kainoa Blaisdell has rejoined FTI Consulting as a Managing Director in Singapore as previously reported on Telum.
Joining Kainoa in Singapore is Justin Teh, who has also returned to the consultancy as Senior Director. He brings experience advising on multi-stakeholder transactions, including M&A, IPOs, activism defence, and restructurings. In his new role, Justin also supports clients with investor relations programmes, as well as advises asset and wealth management firms across the region on issues management and corporate reputation strategies.
In Hong Kong, Rita Fong has been promoted to Managing Director. Her remit includes leading financial communications engagements in Hong Kong, specialising in deal advisory, investor relations, and crisis management for listed companies. Rita will also advise clients on a range of M&A and special situations, including shareholder disputes, activism, proxy fights, hostile takeovers, and restructurings.
The appointments build on the arrival of Jason Leow as a Senior Managing Director based in Singapore in December 2025, as previously reported on Telum.
“These appointments and the promotion of Rita underscore our commitment to building the strongest financial communications and special situations bench in Asia,” said Tom Evrard, Head of Strategic Communications, Asia at FTI Consulting.
“Kainoa and Justin both bring deep sector expertise and proven track records in advising clients through complex transactions and reputation challenges. Combined with Jason’s market leadership and Rita’s extensive transaction experience, we are exceptionally well-positioned to help clients navigate Asia’s highly dynamic transaction landscape. With increasing deal complexity, cross-border activity, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, clients need advisors who truly understand - and that is exactly what this team brings.”
Mark McCall, Global Head of Strategic Communications at FTI Consulting, added: “In an environment of heightened deal activity, aggressive shareholder scrutiny and complex special situations, clients demand advisors who can move with precision, speed and deep market intelligence.
“This strengthened team in Asia significantly enhances our global M&A and activism offering, delivering seamless cross-border support and data-driven strategies that protect and create value for clients. As Asia remains a critical driver of global deal flow, this integrated capability ensures clients receive regionally nuanced counsel across the full transaction lifecycle.”
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