Kyodo, the first PR agency to list with the Tokyo Stock Exchange, had already worked with Ruder Finn on global and regional-level projects. The formalised partnership will give each player the chance to tap in to the other's specialised expertise.
For Ruder Finn, that means Kyodo's resources, knowledge and insight in to the key markets of Japan and Korea. Kyodo, meanwhile, will have access to Ruder Finn's global network of offices, including assets in the US, Paris, London and Jerusalem. Ruder Finn's Asian footprint is also expanding steadily, with offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the recently-opened presence in New Delhi.
Sakae Ohashi, Kyodo PR’s president and CEO, said Japan was now the world's fourth-largest importer and exporter of goods, which has meant many local organisations now require a communications offer that goes beyond the national market alone.
Jean Michel Dumont, chairman of Ruder Finn Asia added, “With a strategic and centralised market location in Asia, Japan is a platform for most important technologies to be disseminated from or through Japan. We believe that this partnership will be critical in strengthening our existing Asia offering.”
Kathy Bloomgarden, global CEO of Ruder Finn said the partnership would further strengthen the network's Asian and global footprint, "This underpins our strategy to be set up in the best way in all major hubs around the world to help our clients respond immediately to the 24-hour global news cycle," she said. "Asia will remain a strategic region for us and we will continue to build on our four strategic pillars; corporate reputation, health and wellness, technology and innovation, and consumer lifestyle brands, all supported by a very strong digital business underpinning these activities.”
