Burson names new CEO for HK

Burson, a new global communications agency formed from a merger between BCW and Hill & Knowlton, has appointed Simeon Mellalieu (pictured) as Hong Kong CEO, effective from 2 October.

HS Chung, North APAC CEO, Burson, told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that Mellalieu will oversee Burson’s operations in Hong Kong, leading innovation and business growth, client excellence and people. 

"Hong Kong continues to be one of our key strategic hubs for our operations across the Asia-Pacific region and Mellalieu's appointment underscores our commitment to reinforcing our leadership in this critical growth market," Chung said. 

Mellalieu brings 25 years of experience counselling multinational companies on national, regional, and global communication strategies that build brands and protect reputations, according to the release. 

Most recently, Mellalieu helmed the role of partner, client development at Ketchum Asia-Pacific and managing director at Ketchum Hong Kong. According to his LinkedIn, Mellalieu was responsible for driving agency growth across Ketchum's Asia Pacific offices by supporting client development, enhancing its products and services, and facilitating the new business process. 

Throughout his career, Mellalieu has worked with a diverse range of clients, including those in fast fashion, semiconductors, automotive, gaming, travel and leisure, enterprise and consumer technology, food and beverage, as well as banking and payments.

Mellalieu started his communications career in UK but has worked for more than two decades in Asia based in Hong Kong. Prior to Ketchum, Mellalieu worked at Bulletin International, a specialist international broadcast PR agency in London, and Cambridge-based Warman & Bannister, a specialist technology PR agency.

“We are delighted to welcome Mellalieu to our APAC leadership team. Hong Kong remains a critical regional hub for Asian companies seeking to build their reputation on the global stage. Mellalieu’s extensive experience will help us further bolster our ‘Asia going global’ offer in Hong Kong, helping clients navigate pivotal market changes and seize opportunities, both in the region and abroad," Chung said.

“This is an incredibly exciting and important moment in time to be joining Burson. We have a large and extremely talented team in Hong Kong supported by a powerful global network. I’m looking forward to working alongside my new colleagues locally and internationally to build our leading position in the industry based on innovative solutions, cut-through creativity and incisive technology,” Mellalieu said. 

Don’t miss: Burson bolsters APAC leadership team with new appointments

Back in June, Burson, bolstered its APAC leadership team with nine market leader appointments. As part of the leadership changes, Burson has appointed Rikki Jones as the CEO of Burson Group Singapore and the president of GCI Health Asia-Pacific, a global healthcare communications agency under BCW.

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