APCO Appoints James Robinson to Lead Shanghai Office

Washington (September 22, 2016) – James Robinson, an expert in international communications, public affairs and sustainability, has been appointed as managing director of APCO Worldwide’s Shanghai office, announced APCO CEO, Brad Staples.

“The China market is critical to almost every global client today.  We’ve seen tremendous growth in China, and adding James to our leadership team allows us to pursue more opportunities, accelerate progress and deepen our bench,” said Staples. “James has worked in China, the US and Europe and he has a keen understanding of the needs of ambitious corporations in this growing market. His return to China is milestone for us, and a reflection of the importance of the region.”

Robinson moves from New York, where he spent 11 years and led several of APCO’s most high-profile global client accounts, including for PepsiCo, Microsoft and the Clinton Global Initiative.  He has been recognized by PR Week’s “40 Under 40” list, has led APCO’s global sustainability practice for the past three years, and is a frequent speaker on the evolving role of business in society as well as U.S.-China trade and investment.

Robinson started his career with APCO in its Beijing office, where he advised multinationals looking to enter the China market and helped clients expand their China presence through government relations and stakeholder engagement programs. He also managed marketing and business development functions for APCO’s China presence.  He spent a year in APCO’s Jakarta office, working on crisis and public affairs assignments. 

“APCO has succeeded in China by integrating deep knowledge of communications and public affairs, a real appreciation of local dynamics, and an unrivaled understanding of global trends, risks and opportunities,” said Robinson. “I am excited to return to China as a part of our dynamic and well-established leadership team.”

Robinson graduated with both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in China studies from the University of Cambridge and speaks Mandarin proficiently.  He rejoins a team of more than 80 APCO staff in Greater China, including accomplished senior colleagues that include:

• James McGregor – Chairman, Greater China, author of several China-related books and veteran reporter for the Wall Street Journal in China, among others.
• Linda Du – General Manger, China, a long-time leader in communications in China and the U.S.
• Anne Wang – Senior Director, Beijing, a specialist in China’s healthcare sector, with experience working with leading multinationals and NGOs.
• Chris Murck – Senior Counselor, former president of AmCham China and finance expert