SAN FRANCISCO: Allison+Partners has expanded its footprint in Asia-Pacific by opening offices in India and Australia.
Pranav Kumar, who previously established Bite Communications’ India presence, was named MD in India. Kumar is based in New Delhi, oversetting operations, business growth, and clients in the country.
The firm has hired Michelle Rovere as Australia MD. She has worked on both the agency and client sides of the business, most recently at boutique agencies PurePR and Belles & Whistles Communications. She has also held roles at IBM and Mars Petcare Australia. Rovere will oversee business growth and operations in Australia and counsel clients.
"We identified that Australia is an underserved market, and our clients need service there," said Scott Allison, agency CEO. "India is so vast and such a major opportunity. We wanted to plant a flag and make that development in India."
Both offices opened on November 1. Kumar and Rovere are reporting to Andy Hardie-Brown, cofounder and global COO. They are the only agency employees in their respective offices, but are working with consultants and staff in other Allison+Partners offices, Allison said.
Allison said several of the firm’s global clients were looking for support in the two markets, specifically UL, Pinterest, and Thoughtworks.
The agency has eight other offices in Asia-Pacific: Beijing, Bangkok, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. In 2016, the firm’s revenue in Asia grew more than 50% from 2015, and Singapore was the top performer in the region.
"We have a very methodical march as we’re building our global footprint out," Allison said. "Starting in London, we moved over into Asia and built out significant presence with tremendous growth in Asia. We are trying to set up a alternate universe to the some of the largest holding companies and agencies."
