Newgate Communications opens first Asian office in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong office, which has been established by Richard Barton, managing partner, is Newgate’s latest move for global growth and a showcase of its ability to provide its clients with support across multiple international markets, according to the company.

The office will focus on three areas, including corporate brand building and protection, capital market communications, and government relations and public policy, according to the firm.

“Hong Kong is an important bridgehead to the Greater China and broader Asian markets and marks a significant development for Newgate and its clients,” said Jonathan Clare, chairman of Newgate Communications.

Added Barton, “As Western companies continue to operate, invest and raise capital in Asia, and Asian businesses rapidly develop their global expansion plans, Newgate is well placed to advise clients across multiple geographies on a broad array of complex communications issues.”

Barton was the former Asia managing partner of Kreab Gavin Anderson, and is joined by a former colleague, Grace Zhang, as a partner in Newgate Hong Kong.

Newgate, a subsidiary of Porta Communications PLC, has opened offices in London, Edinburgh, Brussels and Frankfurt over the past year. Its Hong Kong operation is the first step in a broader build-out of its Asia operations, which will shortly include offices in Beijing and Singapore over the coming months.

“We are actively recruiting corporate and financial communications and public affairs specialists at all levels across the three markets,” Barton added.