HONG KONG, Jan. 19, 2012 — Fleishman-Hillard International Communications today announced the appointment of Beth Boswell, senior vice president and senior partner, to the position of managing director, strategic growth planning, Asia Pacific. In this newly created position, Boswell will work closely with Lynne Anne Davis, president for Asia Pacific, and collaborate with the agency’s regional leadership and general managers to develop and execute business plans that will fuel the company’s growth strategy.
In addition to strategic planning for the region, the new role includes informing growth planning for clients, such as how emerging trends may factor into their communications platforms. For example, emerging markets may face a middle class squeeze unless the move from manufacturing to innovation occurs. Other trends, in addition to social media, include rural inclusion and women’s empowerment.
“Our strength and influence in Asia Pacific are increasingly crucial to our clients in the West who demand high-level support and insights across the region, as well as to our ability to cultivate Asia-based clients as they globalize their operations,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard president and CEO. “I have enormous confidence in Beth’s ability to work with our regional leadership team to optimize our tremendous potential in the region. This appointment is a perfect way to draw upon her long and diverse record of achievements to benefit our firm and our clients.”
“We have experienced explosive growth in Asia Pacific — better than 150 percent in the past five years with another record high in 2011,” said Davis. “Now our challenge is to ensure a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term success. At a time when Asia Pacific’s communications consulting industry is booming, this appointment is one more way we aim to stay a step ahead in delivering what the region’s fast-evolving markets demand.
“Beth’s extensive, gold-standard consulting experience in the region gives her powerful insights that can drive a greater breadth and depth of innovative client offerings,” Davis added. “She thinks big and is fiercely committed to quality in everything she touches, making her the perfect choice to help us fast track our continued, long-range expansion.”
Boswell joined Fleishman-Hillard 17 years ago and has spent a total of 11 years working in Asia Pacific. She has lived and worked in more than seven markets across the region, including China, India and Indonesia. Prior to taking on this position, she was Fleishman-Hillard’s managing director, reputation management, for Asia Pacific. She also has particular expertise in technology and healthcare. Boswell has managed large-scale client relationships and facilitated global network business in the region. In 2010, she received the John D. Graham Award for Excellence, the firm’s highest honor, which is given to individuals who exemplify its core values and take a leading role in sustaining its collaborative culture.
Boswell has an honor’s Bachelor of Arts degree in English and history from Queen’s University in Canada and a master’s degree in communications from Boston University in the U.S. She will be based at Fleishman-Hillard’s Singapore office.
About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com
Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
