H+K promotes Justin Then to CEO of SG and MY as Matthew Briant exits

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Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) has promoted Justin Then, MD of Lumos H+K Malaysia, to oversee its Malaysia operations and H+K Singapore as CEO, effective 1 November. He replaces H+K Singapore MD and Asia chief client officer, Matthew Briant, who is leaving the agency. In his new role, Then will focus on driving cross-market collaborations to accelerate business growth across the region. He reports to HS Chung, president for H+K Asia.

Then (pictured) has led Lumos H+K Malaysia since merging his agency, Lumos PR with H+K Malaysia in 2019. The merger was part of H+K's ASEAN growth strategy. Then was confident that by joining forces with Lumos, it would accelerate its growth within Malaysia, bolstering its integrated communications solutions and helping its clients venture into burgeoning markets across the region.

He first founded Lumos in 2012 and joined H+K as MD of Malaysia in 2013 during which he provided senior counsel to regional clients from diverse sectors including oil and gas, technology and financial services. Then also previously headed the technology practice at Priority Communications where he oversaw a team that serviced clients such as Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Hitachi Data Systems and Alcatel Lucent.

"I am honoured to take on this expanded leadership role to further accelerate the agency's Asia offering," said Then. According to him, the agency has established H+K as a creative force in the Malaysian PR market. Now armed with the opportunity for increased synergy between the Singapore and Malaysia offices, Then added the agency would be able to deliver an "unmatched competitive proposition in the market".

HS Chung, H+K Asia cluster lead, said that the “rapid growth and immense agility” exhibited by LUMOS PR since its inception around two years ago is a testament to Then’s talent and drive. “He understands the H+K way, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with him again,” Chung said.

Chung added that she was grateful for Briant's commitment to H+K Singapore over the past couple of years. According to Chung, Briant helped build a strong regional hub team alongside Asia’s Centre of Excellence for innovation and creativity". Now, she looks forward to Then’s vision, especially with Singapore being an integral hub for the agency's network and clients in the Asia market.

H+K continues to beef up its Asia team. Last month, the agency boosted its regional public affairs capabilities and technology communications capabilities with the promotion of Anna O'Sullivan and Mark Lensyzyn respectively. O'Sullivan is now managing partner, strategic communications, and public affairs, leading all strategic communications and public affairs opportunities across Asia. Meanwhile, Lensyzyn is now Asia technology practice lead and LG-One network director who will be responsible for elevating the growth of the sector across Asia.

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