APCO Opens in Singapore
Washington, D.C. (April 6, 2006) – APCO Worldwide, continuing its rapid growth in the Asian region, opened a new office in Singapore, the heart of the finance and services center of Southeast Asia, Margery Kraus, president and chief executive officer, announced today.
“With offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Jakarta, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, creating a presence in Singapore was a natural progression for APCO,” said Kraus. “This office strengthens our commitment to the region and allows us to provide a fuller service offering to clients across Asia and Australia.”
Hans Vriens, vice chairman and former managing director of APCO Indonesia, will be directing the office. “This location is essential given Singapore’s role as a regional headquarters city, and the increasing number of fast-growing companies in Southeast Asia looking to expand across Asia, Europe and North America,” said Vriens. “Along with its importance in the global marketplace, the office will also play a critical role in APCO’s work in Indonesia and Vietnam.”
A lawyer and former journalist, Mr. Vriens has lived in Asia since 1990. Prior to joining APCO in April 1998, he worked as a political economist at the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy in Hong Kong. He practiced law at Clifford Chance and was the Asia correspondent, based in Hong Kong, for a leading Dutch financial and economic daily. At APCO, Vriens advises companies on market entry, risk management and a variety of public affairs issues. He assists corporations in seizing opportunities presented by the current economic situation in Asia while minimizing risk exposure.
“APCO chose early on to establish a presence in Asia; the opening of this office bolsters the firm’s ability to consult on projects that span the region,” said Christian Murck, chief executive officer of APCO’s Asia region. “In addition to ensuring a reinforced South Asian presence, those in Singapore will collaborate with others throughout the region to service clients in Hong Kong, China, Australia, and India”
About APCO Worldwide
Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. APCO was named 2006 Agency of the Year by PR Week, 2005 European Consultancy of the Year by Public Affairs News and 2004 Public Affairs Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report. Clients include corporations, governments, industry associations and nonprofit organizations. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO includes among its clients six of the top 10 companies on Fortune’s Global 500. Core services include corporate, investor and internal communication; crisis management; issue management; government relations; litigation communication; media relations; coalition building; opinion research; market entry; corporate responsibility and online communication. APCO is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.
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Contact:
Megan Carpenter
APCO Worldwide
+202-659-7913
mcarpenter@apcoworldwide.com