Gavin Anderson and Kreab in global merger

According to a statement from the newly formed company, the merger will serve to strengthen both organisations’ respective capabilities in financial and corporate communications and public affairs, as well as expanding geographic reach.

Richard Constant (pictured), who as former chairman and chief executive of Gavin Anderson will serve as president and chief executive, commented that the move fulfilled a “mutual and long-held ambition” to combine strengths.

Richard Barton, whose title has changed from Gavin Anderson CEO Asia ex-Japan to Kreab Gavin Anderson managing partner Asia ex-Japan, noted that the official merger represented the solidification of an ongoing relationship, and an “opportunity to market new combined capabilities”. The two companies have operated in partnership in Beijing for a number of years.

“It’s really a continuation, rather than a change, in the way we do business,” said Jim Weeks, who as former executive chairman of Gavin Anderson Japan and Asia Pacific has taken on the position of Kreab Gavin Anderson managing partner, Asia-Pacific. “The fit is fantastic culturally and geographically. We have the same areas of focus, take the same approach and round out geographies.”

Weeks added that Gavin Anderson’s established presence in Japan and Australia would be of significant benefit to Kreab’s client base.

The former chairman of Kreab and its holding company Magnora AB Peje Emilsson will act as executive chairman of Kreab Gavin Anderson. 

The new entity will be jointly owned by Magnora and Omnicom Group and will provide service to around 500 global clients.