The new launch sees the rebranding of the four-year-old Publicis Dialog unit; all staff from Publicis Dialog will now work for MS&L Japan, which will be headed by Asia-Pacific SVP and senior director Glenn Osaki, who will remain based in Shanghai.
According to Osaki, the agency will benefit from its relationship with Dentsu, given its 15 per cent stake in Publicis Groupe. The Japan office will support many of the agency's key global clients, which include Philips, Sunkist, Home Depot and the Diamond Trading Company/DeBeers.
The launch comes as the network also reshuffles its regional senior management, bringing in John Hong from Microsoft as MD of its China operation. Previous China MD Fiona Cohen now takes on a regional business development role, based in Shanghai. However, no replacement is sought for outgoing Hong Kong director Ken Hong.
"Fiona will help three key areas of strategy: China and Southeast Asia as growth drivers; Hong Kong as a strategic hub; and new market developments," said Osaki.
t MS&L Japan, Osaki will lead a team that includes group account director Kiminori Takeuchi and account director Mika Archer.
