FleishmanHillard announces new appointments as chairman & president Li Hong leaves

FleishmanHillard confirmed that Li Hong, former chairman and president of China for FleishmanHillard, and senior consultant with the firm, is moving on after 16 years leading its mainland operations.Hong was elevated from president and senior partner to chairman, FleishmanHillard in China last year in June. In the press release, the firm appreciated Li Hong’s leadership as he had led FleishmanHillard’s China business to "flourished, boasting a stellar portfolio of Chinese and global clients, a deep talent bench and strong capabilities to meet the fast-evolving needs of China’s dynamic business and communications environment today"."Over the past year, since Rachel Catanach’s appointment to president of Greater China, Li Hong has played an important advisory role, counselling clients at the senior-most level, mentoring top talent, and championing network collaboration and partnership for further expansion of the business. We wish him and his family all the best for this next chapter,” said Lynne Anne Davis, FleishmanHillard senior partner, and Asia Pacific president.The firm also announced two key appointments: Lichi Hsueh, currently head of the firm’s Shanghai operations, has been promoted to a new role of chief operating officer for FleishmanHillard in China. Yisi Liu, currently deputy GM in Shanghai, will become general manager of the Shanghai office.[gallery link="file" ids="208208,208205"]Hsueh brings more than 19 years of leadership, client and business expansion experience in Greater China’s PR industry, working with leading brands in the technology and financial services sectors in managing sensitive issues, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate affairs."As head of our Shanghai operations, Lichi has demonstrated a keen business acumen and strong ability to drive business growth through a laser focus on client service quality and talent development. This new role recognizes the need for innovative management of resources in a complex and dynamic environment. Lichi is a natural bridge-builder and her infectious enthusiasm and energy, combined with a strong business drive, will position us well to capture growth in this next phase of our development in China," said Catanach.As for Liu, he joined FleishmanHillard Shanghai in 2012 and has significant expertise in stakeholder identification and engagement, government policy analysis, corporate reputation management, and issues and crisis management.In addition to his extensive corporate affairs experience working with brands in the tourism, healthcare, agriculture, B2B and finance sectors, Liu spent five years at government agency China National Tourism Administration."With his expansive understanding of China’s corporate sector, Yisi is a highly sought-after counselor on the best approach for navigating the complexities and changing dynamics of China’s business landscape. The Shanghai office won great new clients in the luxury, B2B and lifestyle sectors in 2017, in no small part due to Yisi’s strategic abilities and insights, and focus on creating meaningful communications outcomes for clients," said Catanach.Other leaders in FleishmanHillard’s Greater China leadership team include Jerry Zou, general manager Beijing; Judy Wei, general manager consumer services; Helena He, general manager digital and social engagement; Geoff Bilbrough, general manager Hong Kong; and Patrick Yu, deputy general manager Hong Kong."I am delighted to have such a strong team. We’re excited by the opportunities in the marketplace, and look forward to punching above our weight and showing what we’re made of," added Catanach.