Hill+Knowlton Strategies hires John Morgan as Asia COO, Hong Kong MD

Based in Hong Kong, Morgan (pictured) will focus on driving growth, managing business operations and enhancing client service for Hill+Knowlton’s 10 offices across Asia. He will report to James Heimowitz, president and chief executive officer of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Asia, and chairman of H+K China.

With more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications and integrated marketing, Morgan has been based in Asia since 2000. He has counseled a diverse range of business-to-business and consumer clients across North America and Asia-Pacific, including Jardine Matheson, Li & Fung, Dow Chemical, Cisco, DHL, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Hong Kong's Airport Authority.

Last year, Hill & Knowlton Strategies restructured its international operations, with former Asia-Pacific president and chief operating officer Vivian Lines moving into a new role heading global client service based in Singapore.

The restructuring sees South Asia, Central Asia and Australia folded into a new unit called AMEASCA, which also houses the Middle East and Africa. 

James Heimowitz, who previously headed North Asia and China, takes charge of the remaining Asian markets, becoming president and chief executive officer of Asia and chairman of China.

Denise Maguire served as Hong Kong MD for the firm for 13 years before retiring in June 2011. Since then, Rachel Chan, general manager and head of financial communications, Greater China, co-led the Hong Kong agency with Glenn Schloss, deputy MD. Schloss resigned in February to move to a client role after nearly 10 years at H+K.