Manning Selvage & Lee's Japan Office Appoints Managing Director

Manning Selvage & Lee (MS&L) today announced the appointment of Eric Hess, a public relations veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the Japanese market, as managing director of its Tokyo office. His appointment is effective immediately.

In his new role, Hess will focus on client service, staff development, and new business growth. He will work closely with the managing directors and senior staff across MS&L’s Asia network, which includes offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Delhi, a satellite network of 39 additional owned MS&L locations across India, and 15 strong affiliate partners in the region.

In addition, Kiminori Takeuchi has been appointed to the position of deputy managing director. Takeuchi has been a key senior counselor in the office for the past eight years.

“The Tokyo office is an established and successful branch of our Asian operations,” said Glenn Osaki, president of MS&L Asia. “Eric’s diverse client service and management experience, combined with Kiminori’s strategic insight and continuity, give us a dynamic management team with 40 years experience in the PR industry. I am confident they will lead the continued growth of the office and ensure our competitive advantage in the region.”

Hess is experienced in many areas of public relations, government relations, crisis management, corporate and marketing communications. Most recently, he was director of PR services for IR Japan, Japan’s largest specialized investor relations services company. Hess has directed national media programs for AmericaOnline, AstraZeneca, Baxter, Hewlett-Packard, Nokia, United Airlines, Visa International, and others. He speaks English and Japanese fluently, and earned degrees from universities in the U.S. and Japan.

Hess’ appointment is the latest in a string of announcements regarding MS&L’s growth in Asia. The firm recently announced the expansion of its global digital practice into Asia, and acquired Hanmer & Partners, one of India’s largest multidisciplinary communications consultancies, which strengthens its presence and capabilities in the region.

MS&L Japan specializes in the fields of IT, corporate and financial, consumer goods, travel & tourism, and healthcare for domestic and multi-national companies. For the past 10 years, the office has focused on providing globally minded and innovative PR solutions that not only cater to but also leverage the unique media environment of Japan.

About Manning Selvage & Lee

MS&L is one of the world's leading communications firms. Headquartered in New York, MS&L has 54 offices throughout North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, as well as an extensive global affiliate network. The agency meets the needs of global and local clients by providing best-in-class services in consumer marketing PR, healthcare PR, corporate communications and technology communications, as well as industry-leading work in digital communications. MS&L won PRWeek's Best Use of Internet/New Media Award in both 2006 and 2007.

MS&L is a member of the Publicis Groupe(Euronext Paris: FR0000130577), the world’s fourth largest communications group, and a global leader in digital and online advertising, media consulting, and healthcare communications. With some 44,000 professionals in 104 countries, the Groupe's activities cover advertising through three global advertising networks: Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, as well as through its two multi-hub networks Fallon Worldwide and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty; media agencies with two worldwide networks ZenithOptimedia and Starcom MediaVest Group; and marketing services, including digital and interactive communications through Digitas, relationship and direct marketing, public and media relations, corporate and financial communications, multicultural communications, and event communications. The Groupe is also the world leader in healthcare communications. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com.

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