SINGAPORE: Golin/Harris International is picking up a sizable new
presence in Singapore and Hong Kong, taking over what had been
Scotchbrook-BSMG.
The switch comes as a result of the combining of BSMG and Weber
Shandwick Worldwide. WSW already has a presence in Asia, said Rich
Jernstedt, Golin CEO.
The former Scotchbrook-BSMG operations have revenues of about $3
million annually, about half of what Golin had with its Golin/Harris
Forrest offices in those two locations. The combined operation will have
between $8 million and $9 million in revenues, Jernstedt
said. BSMG had 20 staffers in Hong Kong and 20 in Singapore.
Golin/Forrest has 45 in Hong Kong, and eight in Singapore.
Both Golin and Scotchbrook have specialized in public affairs and
financial communications. The new combined operation will try to develop
new business in consumer marketing and healthcare, said Jernstedt.
Anne Forrest, regional managing director of Asia for Golin will oversee
the combined operations. Godfrey Scotchbrook, who founded Scotchbrook
Communications in 1991, will become a senior counselor in the new
operations.
CT Hew, who had been president of greater China at Scotchbrook-BSMG,
will become managing director of Hong Kong operations.