SHANGHAI, 13 September, 2016 — FleishmanHillard has boosted its bench strength in Shanghai appointing Suki Zhao, who joins as vice president and will head up FleishmanHillard’s Brand/Lifestyle team in Shanghai with responsibility for managing communications in China for some of FleishmanHillard’s largest global clients.
With over 10 years’ international agency experience, Suki Zhao brings significant brand and consumer communications expertise to the agency. Most recently at Hill & Knowlton Strategies, Zhao’s client portfolio has included multi-national clients in diverse sectors such as travel destination, premium lifestyle, sports entertainment, fashion and luxury, as well as financial services.
“Suki is a dynamic communications professional who understands the power of creativity and brings a fresh perspective to every client challenge,” said Li Hong, FleishmanHillard chairman of China. “Her deep understanding of the Chinese consumer, excellent network and strong skillset will enable us to further capitalize on growing opportunities in Shanghai. We are excited to welcome her to the team.”
Zhao has developed and implemented successful branding campaigns and large-scale events for clients such as Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Costa Cruises, InterContinental Hotels Group, Burberry, ENZO, Singapore Media Festival, IMG, WWE, Oakley, several 2010 Shanghai World Expo pavilions, Brand South Africa, JP Morgan and HSBC.
From left to right: Ms. Lichi Hsueh, Mr. Yisi Liu and Ms. Suki Zhao
In other news, Miranda Cai, FleishmanHillard Shanghai’s general manager, is leaving to pursue other opportunities. She joined the agency in January 2012 and under her leadership the office has achieved significant growth. “Miranda has been a great asset supporting our continued development in Shanghai through her mentorship of talent and support of our diverse practice groups. We are deeply grateful for her valuable contributions,” added Li Hong.
Lichi Hsueh, FleishmanHillard’s managing director client service in China, will assume responsibility for heading the Shanghai office, supported by FleishmanHillard Shanghai’s Deputy General Manager Yisi Liu.
A well-rounded counselor, Hsueh brings more than 18 years of leadership, client and business expansion experience in Greater China’s PR industry. Through her work with leading brands in the technology and financial services sectors, she has deep expertise in managing sensitive issues, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate affairs.
“Lichi’s considerable understanding of the China market, and her ability to drive business growth through a keen focus on client service quality, will ensure we are well-placed to capitalize on new opportunities in China,” said Li Hong.
Hsueh will be ably supported in this role by Deputy General Manager Yisi Liu, who also heads FleishmanHillard’s Corporate and Public Affairs team in Shanghai.
Liu joined FleishmanHillard Shanghai in 2012 and has significant expertise in stakeholder identification and engagement, government policy analysis, corporate reputation management, and issues and crisis management. In addition to his extensive corporate affairs experience working with brands in the tourism, healthcare, agriculture, B2B and finance sectors, Liu spent five years at government agency China National Tourism Administration. “With his expansive understanding of China’s corporate landscape, Yisi is a highly sought-after counselor on the best approach to navigating the complexities and changing dynamics of China’s business landscape,” said Li Hong.
“Lichi and Yisi, together with Suki, represent a dynamic team and under their leadership FleishmanHillard Shanghai is well-positioned for our next chapter of growth, with a strong portfolio of clients and a deep talent pool,” said Rachel Catanach, president and senior partner, Greater China. “We’re excited by the opportunities in the marketplace, and look forward to scaling new heights with this highly energised team.”
