SEC Newgate has named William Brocklehurst as Managing Partner of its SEC Newgate China business. He is responsible for leading the client advisory, operational, and commercial growth activity across Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai.
The appointment sees William succeeding former Managing Partner, James Hill, who is returning to Europe after five years of leadership.
Most recently a Director at Brunswick in Hong Kong, William brings with him agency and in-house corporate communications experience. With more than a decade in the Chinese market, his portfolio further includes Teneo and Bupa, as well as CBI in the UK.
"We are delighted to welcome William on board to lead the next stage of SEC Newgate's global growth in this critically important market," said Brian Tyson, SEC Newgate's Head of APAC Region and Deputy Group CEO. "We see significant potential in China and believe William's 20 plus years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, and geopolitical advisory will benefit our clients and help us to further grow our regional presence.
"William brings significant in-house corporate affairs expertise having worked for over a decade for global healthcare company Bupa both in the UK and then in Hong Kong, where he advised on the company's public affairs strategy for market entry into China."
William commented on the news: "It is a great time to be joining one of the world's fastest growing advisory firms to help drive its continued growth in China. SEC Newgate has built itself into one of the leading global players in strategic communications advice and counsel for local and global businesses. I look forward to helping our clients manage risk, strengthen their reputation, and build stronger stakeholder relationships in this crucial market."
Industry update
SEC Newgate appoints Managing Partner for Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai operations
by Telum Media
3 August 2025 4:00 PM
2 mins read
Telum Media creating connections
Get in touch to learn more
Previous story
Weber Shandwick rolls out Weber I/O, names its EMEA head
Next story
Tom Fogarty starts agency journey in the UK
You might also enjoy
Industry update
Vero has entered into a partnership with the Centre for Journalism and Trauma Asia Pacific (CJT), under which the agency will provide pro bono communications and implementation support for CJT’s “Not Alone. Not Silenced” campaign.
The campaign aims to support journalists in managing online hate speech, cyberbullying, and threats through a 10-month fellowship programme, including webinars, in-person workshops, and remote mentorship.
“Journalists today are working under increasing pressure, both professionally and emotionally,” said Nitikarn Ladasathean, Media Relations Director at Vero in Thailand. “Through this collaboration with the Centre for Journalism and Trauma Asia Pacific, Vero aims to contribute to a more sustainable media ecosystem by supporting journalists beyond just the stories they produce.”
13 February 2026 3:00 AM
1 min read
Moves
Sally Douglas has been appointed as Communications Director at LEOPRD, the world’s first advisory dedicated to LEO (language engine optimisation). She is also the Co-Founder of the global grief support platform, Good Mourning.
Sally holds more than a decade of experience in comms, with past agency roles at Cassette, Adhesive PR and Ogilvy PR Australia.
13 February 2026 2:52 AM
1 min read
Industry update
Mutant has expanded its service offering with the launch of Mutant MICE, a regional practice focused on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) across Asia. The new unit formalises work the agency has been delivering across the business events sector over the past year.
Mutant MICE provides public relations, content, social media and stakeholder engagement support to organisers, brands, and destinations.
The agency said the move reflects increasing competition and complexity in Southeast Asia’s MICE landscape, with clients under greater pressure to demonstrate return on investment, including tourism and trade impact, delegate conversion and industry influence.
“The MICE sector sits at the intersection of business, culture, travel and economic opportunity, and brands and destinations need a communications partner that understands not just the event, but the ecosystem around it,” said Lina Marican, Regional Managing Director of Mutant. “Mutant MICE brings strategic clarity, earned creativity and on-ground discipline to help our clients stand out and scale their impact.”
Mutant MICE will support regional and global clients seeking a communications-led approach to business events. The agency was most recently appointed to support the Malaysian International Food & Beverage Fair and previously worked with events such as Business China, Tech Week Singapore, the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA Singapore, and the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS).
12 February 2026 2:32 AM
2 mins read