Japan veteran Ross Rowbury departs PRAP for Edelman

Rowbury takes on the role of president at Edelman Japan, after seven years as senior MD and COO at PRAP, Japan's biggest independent PR firm.

His appointment follows the departure of Edelman Japan MD Margaret Key to lead Burson-Marsteller Korea. Edelman Japan also recently hired Kuniko Okuwaki as deputy MD of its Japan office.

Rowbury has spent 30 years of his career in Japan, including senior roles at Gavin Anderson and BZW Securities. 'Combining Ross' talent and expertise, together with Kuniko's skills and background, and the track record of our existing team, greatly strengthens our offering in the Japanese market,' said Edelman North Asia president Charles Lankester.

"Ross has very good credentials and a public profile, and is probably the best qualified non-Japanese PR advisor," said David Kilburn, a veteran Tokyo analyst.

PRAP, formed in 1970, currently counts 257 employees in Japan. In 2002, Ogilvy PR bought a minority stake in the agency.