Golin hands Weber Shandwick's APAC vice-chair Darren Burns newly-created role

IPG PR firm Golin has appointed Darren Burns as president of Asia Pacific. In this newly-created role, Burns will be tasked to advance innovation and drive growth for the agency’s focused Asia Pacific markets. Burns started at the agency earlier this month and reports to Matt Neale, CEO, Golin.

Burns (pictured) was previously vice chair, Asia Pacific, Weber Shandwick, where he oversaw the firm’s creative, innovation and data intelligence agenda in the region, as well as the business development function. In his expanded role at Golin, Burns will apply his approach to help drive new products and services for clients and create new revenue opportunities for the agency, focused on key offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Burns was also previously the managing director of Golin Taiwan between 2000 and 2006. He brings with him more than 20 years of experience to Golin, leading collaborative agency efforts to build, deepen and expand client relationships.

Burns said: "I'm excited to partner with Golin’s global and Asia-based leadership teams to continue the trajectory of measurable problem solving, but do so in a way that will operationalise the unique offerings across the region." 

Neale said as the agency puts more focus on international growth, Burns' creativity and leadership will be vital in helping the agency identify new opportunities for earned-first ideas, steeped in data and rich with results. “Burns has a proven track record of evolving and implementing world-class client service offerings that drive real impact for our industry. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to the agency to lead Golin Asia Pacific into the future,” Neale added.

This appointment comes after Golin reportedly cut its staff across its offices last week. According to media reports, a spokesperson for the agency said fewer than 25 people worldwide were affected, and less than 5% of its staff in United States were let go.

Most recently in Southeast Asia, Golin Hong Kong won multiple accounts including Deliveroo, Qatar Airways, and travel loyalty and benefits brand Collinson. Last year, Porsche Asia Pacific also appointed Golin Singapore as its regional agency partner overseeing integrated communications covering corporate communications, social media and influencer marketing. The regional mandate supports Porsche Asia Pacific’s 13 markets, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, French Polynesia, Mongolia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

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