Shanghai (October 17, 2012) – Frances Sun, former senior vice president at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, China, joins APCO Worldwide as managing director of the firm’s Shanghai office, Brad Staples, president, international, announced today.
“APCO has a long history of successful work in China, having opened our operations in the region more than 20 years ago with a strong focus on public affairs and government relations,” said Staples. “Frances brings extraordinary credentials to her new role as managing director in Shanghai, and we know she will be tremendously successful in helping continue to expand our diverse service offerings for clients in this rapidly evolving and dynamic market.”
Sun has more than 20 years of experience in global communication, crisis communication, and media and government relations. Prior to joining APCO, Frances spearheaded H+K Strategies’ practice aimed to equip Chinese companies with professional communication support for their globalization efforts. She was responsible for H+K’s appointment by China’s State Council Information Office to conduct spokesperson training for Chinese government officials; served as the global client relationship manager for the Beijing Olympic Games, a project which involved multiple offices over a three-year period; and secured several Chinese brands for corporate communication support. She also led H+K’s crisis and issues management practice. She has extensive experience conducting media and crisis communication trainings for executives from both multinational and Chinese companies.
“Our Shanghai team includes some of the most experienced communication consultants in Greater China,” said Kenneth Jarrett, former U.S. consul general in Shanghai and chairman of APCO’s Greater China region. “I am delighted to welcome Frances to APCO in Shanghai, and we look forward to her leadership in providing exceptional client service and building on our integrated service offering across the region.”
“I am honored to join APCO’s team at such an interesting and exciting time for the firm and for our industry in China,” said Sun. “APCO has an outstanding global reputation, and I’m excited to work with this superb team to continue to offer best-in-class service to our growing client portfolio.”
Previously, Sun served as deputy managing director of a major media group’s advertising company; host of a successful TV talk show, Fortune Salon; and senior editor of a major Chinese media group. She is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School and currently serves as the board director for Asia of the Harvard Alumni Association. Sun joins a dynamic APCO team in China, including Gregory Gilligan, managing director of APCO’s Beijing office and former general manager of corporate affairs for McDonald’s (China) Co., Ltd.; J.
Norwell Coquillard, senior counselor and former chairman and president of Cargill Investment (China) Ltd.; James McGregor, former Beijing bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal and author of No Ancient Wisdom, No Followers:
The Challenges of Chinese Authoritarian Capitalism, published in October 2012, and One Billion Customers: Lessons from the Front Lines of Doing Business in China, published in 2005.
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About APCO Worldwide
Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned global communication, stakeholder engagement and business strategy firm with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. We provide a full range of services across multiple industries. APCO clients include large multinational companies, trade associations, governments, NGOs and educational institutions. The firm is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.
Contact Person: Brian Carroll
Email: bcarroll@apcoworldwide.com
Telephone: +861065055127
Website: www.apcoworldwide.com
Organization: APCO Worldwide