Former Chairman, President of Cargill China Joins APCO

J. Norwell Coquillard Adds to Firm's Food and Beverage Expertise in Asia

Shanghai (March 1, 2010) - J. Norwell Coquillard, former chairman and president of Cargill Investment (China) Limited, joins APCO Worldwide in China as a senior counselor and a member of APCO's International Advisory Council based in Shanghai, president and CEO Margery Kraus announced today. Coquillard has more than 25 years of business experience in Asia.

"Opportunities for foreign companies in China are expanding quickly, but the operating environment is changing just as fast," said Kraus. "Nor's many years in China as a senior business executive give him a unique perspective that will be of tremendous value to our clients and will add significant strength to our existing team of China experts."

In addition to his role as chairman and president, Coquillard supervised Cargill's corporate affairs in China, which comprised the company's corporate reputation, government affairs, media relations and corporate responsibility functions. As a result of his leadership of Cargill's corporate responsibility efforts, Cargill China received the U. S. Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence in 2008. This award recognizes the commitments of a U.S. company to its host country overseas.

Prior to his arrival in China in 1998, Coquillard served as the country manager for Cargill operations in Japan and Korea from 1984 until 1997. During his tenure in Korea, he successfully launched two new businesses for Cargill. In Japan he oversaw a major turnaround for Cargill's businesses, creating a strong business model that remains effective for Cargill in Japan today.

"I am honored to join APCO's distinguished International Advisory Council and team in China," said Coquillard. "I look forward to contributing my experience in Asia to help APCO's clients succeed in this dynamic region."

Coquillard was chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai in 2008 and 2009. He led several delegations to Washington, D.C., to discuss China business issues with U.S. administration and congressional officials. He also served as an officer of AmCham Shanghai in 2003, 2004 and 2007. Coquillard has been recognized by the Shanghai municipal government as one of its leading foreign citizens. He is the current chairman and president of the China chapter of Students in Free Enterprise.

About APCO Worldwide

Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and nonprofit organizations; and seven of the top 10 companies on Fortune's Global 500. APCO offers services related to business, industry and finance; media, public opinion and society; and government and public policy. The firm is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.

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Contact:
Elizabeth Wolf
202.778.1470
ewolf@apcoworldwide.com