Edelman appoints APAC lead on Starbucks business

He will be responsible for providing counsel to senior global Starbucks clients, overseeing client work streams and upholding the quality of work by Edelman teams. Ng will also ensure the firm meets the client's strategic priorities, create a strong integrated team across the region and China and provide common senior regional leadership and market-specific expertise. 

Ng joins from Burson-Marstellar Singapore as director of government communications. He rejoins Edelman following a previous spell as corporate director on the Starbucks China account among others. 

From his base in Singapore, Ng will work closely with Edelman's Starbucks team in China, Hong Kong, Korea, Tokyo, Delhi and Mumbai, including Jonathan Adashek, Edelman's global client relationship manager for Starbucks. 

Speaking of Ng's appointment, Adashek said, “Our relationship with Starbucks is extremely valuable. The announced goal of making China Starbucks’ 'second home market' as well as their continued growth across Asia makes the addition of Derek to our team all the more valuable. Derek will assure we continue to deliver the highest level of service, fresh ideas, and strategic counsel in China and across the region.” 

“As the regional lead for our business, Derek's knowledge of Starbucks as well as his local insights will provide greater efficiencies, genuine scale, strategic integration on the regional and global level, and the ability to grow with our future needs. We are thrilled to be working with Derek again," added Corey duBrowa, vice-president of global public affairs at Starbucks.