Hill+Knowlton Strategies has launched H+K EastWest, a new consultancy to support the investments of Chinese companies in Canada, the Americas and Europe.
The service will be based in H+K’s Ottawa, London, Washington and Beijing offices and will provide communications services for Chinese companies that operate or plan to operate in Europe and the Americas.
Elizabeth Roscoe, senior vice-president and national practice leader, public affairs and Jackie King, senior vice-president and general manager of H+K Ottawa are overseeing H+K EastWest’s roll-out in Canada.
The service will not result in new hires at H+K in Canada. H+K EastWest will use H+K staff in Canada, the Americas, Europe and China as needed, on a client-by-client basis.
“China has ambitious plans to move from ‘made in China’ to ‘created in China,’” said Ye Yu, H+K China chairman, in a statement. “As part of that plan, we are now witnessing the second phase of Chinese companies’ outbound investment strategies, as they move from a resource acquisition play to a focus on moving up the value chain. Chinese firms are recognizing that an integrated approach to marketing and content solutions is key to those efforts.”
According to a release, H+K was the first communications agency to open in China more than 30 years ago and helps both global and Chinese companies build and protect their brands in China. The Chinese office also helps Chinese companies launch and grow their brands internationally.
The communications landscape is changing rapidly, with the lines between business and communications strategies becoming increasingly blurred, noted Richard Millar, H+K London CEO. H+K EastWest aims to help Chinese companies navigate the new landscape and maximize new opportunities by providing them with gateway into the H+K network and its WPP holding company.
H+K EastWest services include market entry strategy, audience mapping and engagement, campaign development, messaging and storytelling, brand marketing and design, digital communications, government relations, media relations, channel strategy, reputation management, measurement and analysis and senior counsel.