You can read the article in Mint here.

Watch: Q&A With Napoleon Biggs

Focuses on helping companies manage cross-border investor communications and close information gaps to avoid reputation damage and valuation discounts

HONG KONG, Nov. 17, 2011 — International communications consultancy Fleishman-Hillard has expanded its Global Capital Markets Services capability to meet the growing need for more active investor relations and financial communications programs for companies based in Asia and their investors around the world.

To strengthen the firm’s role as a resource for multinational companies based in the heart of the world’s fastest-growing markets, Fleishman-Hillard recently added a dedicated team of Asia-based investor relations veterans and research specialists to its existing financial communications and financial services public affairs capabilities.

These additional resources will help clients meet the challenge of the volatile capital markets and economic uncertainty that have led to increased scrutiny of Asian companies, especially those based in China. Listed companies, and those seeking initial public offerings, must prepare more intensively to respond to investors who are looking more closely than ever at capital structure, financial transparency and integrity, corporate governance, and sustainable business performance.

Ruby Yim leads Fleishman-Hillard’s Global Capital Markets team in Asia, as well as serves as co-chair of the firm’s worldwide Global Capital Markets team. With more than 25 years of capital markets experience, she brings in-depth strategic counsel to Asian companies as they pursue their cross-border capital market initiatives across all sectors. Yim works closely with companies based in Greater China, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, India, Indonesia and Australia, as well as in Europe and the Americas. She was most recently a managing partner at Taylor Rafferty, and prior to that was the general manager and head of Thomson Financial Investor Relations in Asia Pacific.

She is joined by three senior team leaders who are all investor relations and financial communications professionals with 10 to 20 years’ experience with some of Asia Pacific’s leading investor relations and financial communications consultancies and financial information providers.

This strong team offers specialized experience in institutional fund analysis, capital market intelligence research, investor relations and capital market positioning, strategic consulting and transactions. They have worked with publicly traded corporations from Asia and around the world, including U.S.-listed and Hong Kong-listed mainland China-based clients. Their experience also includes work with companies funded by venture capital, private equity and sovereign wealth funds. The team’s core industry capabilities are in technology, media, telecommunications, healthcare and biotechnology. They also work with clients in the alternative energy, retail, entertainment software and games, and real estate sectors.

The Global Capital Markets group in Hong Kong plans to develop four specialized client service teams based on client situation and industry. The group will be supported by the firm’s regional research and analysis team and will coordinate closely with regional Fleishman-Hillard colleagues who provide corporate media relations, crisis communications, marketing communications and internal communications support.

The Global Capital Markets team in Asia Pacific works with its counterparts in Fleishman-Hillard offices around the world to advise clients on how to strengthen their case for full valuation and investor confidence in each major financial center. These Global Capital Markets teams coordinate to deliver a range of services to users of the capital markets, including international investor relations, financial media relations, financial services marketing communications, financial services regulatory relations, corporate reputation management, and crisis and transaction communications.

“We are committed to providing our clients with the essential communications and reputation management services they need to achieve their business objectives,” said Lynne Anne Davis, president for Fleishman-Hillard’s Asia Pacific region. “We’ve expanded our Global Capital Markets team in response to a growing challenge that faces our clients – the need to manage their reputations for financial success and integrity among investors, potential transaction partners, lenders and financial regulators. The arrival of Ruby and her team gives us strong momentum in investor relations and capital markets communications services for clients who seek to address the global financial markets.

“As the world’s financial infrastructure has grown more complex, and its impact on our clients more profound, we have an important advantage in the growing depth of talent we have attracted in this category, building upon the existing experience of our senior staff in the region,” Davis added. “No matter what borders our clients must cross to achieve their business objectives, Fleishman-Hillard professionals are there to support them.”

Information Gaps, Reputation Risk and Valuation

“I am excited by the opportunity to bring strategic capital market services to Fleishman-Hillard’s clients in Asia and around the world,” said Yim. “The heightened scrutiny of all listed companies and other investment vehicles is driven by pressure from global investors, lenders and foreign regulators for better risk management. This generates a higher demand for transparency in financial information and more open evaluation of corporate executives as leaders and creators of business strategies.

“This risk evaluation takes place in the context of increasingly volatile financial markets and against the backdrop of economic uncertainty, constrained capital availability, and cross-border concerns about corporate governance and financial integrity,” Yim added. “Listed companies, investment management organizations, and other market participants must actively address this potential information gap or run the risk of reputation damage and a discount on investment value. Our focus is to prevent that.”

In the case of company share prices, this reputation discount can result in higher borrowing costs and more difficulty in business partnerships and foreign government regulatory approvals for business expansion. At the same time, companies based in other regions face similar investor relations, financial communications and public affairs challenges. In addition, they must increasingly appeal to Asian capital sources and business partners for their operating funds and future expansion. This creates a need to communicate both eastward and westward in order to maintain business opportunities and generate the best shareholder value.

Global Capital Markets and the Greater China Practice

The launch of Fleishman-Hillard’s Global Capital Markets Services in Asia follows the September 2011 launch of the firm’s Global China Practice, a worldwide network of senior Fleishman-Hillard practitioners with deep experience supporting Asian multinationals’ successful forays into new markets. That practice was specifically created to help Chinese companies in a variety of ways, including building awareness and brands; supporting mergers, acquisitions and cross-border financial communications; managing stakeholder relationships; and driving corporate social responsibility initiatives.

About Fleishman-Hillard

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at fleishmanhillard.com.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Godrej, a trusted consumer brand, is now keen to take up an advocacy role to further drive messages and communication on home safety, security and protection in Indian  cities.

HONG KONG, Nov. 15, 2011 — Fleishman-Hillard won top honors in the inaugural Asia Pacific SABRE Awards competition. The program, conducted by the influential public relations publication The Holmes Report, highlights best-in-class campaigns and the agencies that led them.

In addition to being named “Asia Pacific Consultancy of the Year” for 2011, Fleishman Hillard’s work for major Chinese multinational electronics manufacturer TCL won in the Crisis/Issues Management category, and a campaign in China for world-renowned jeweler Tiffany & Co. won in the Fashion, Beauty and Luxury category.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized for our growth and influence across the region,” said Lynne Anne Davis, Fleishman-Hillard Asia Pacific president. “Our market entry into Indonesia, our expansion into Bangalore to round out our India network, and the launch of the VOX Global public affairs brand as our third agency in Japan, all figured prominently in our Asia Pacific growth story.

“Thanks to our ambitious clients, our team of unbelievably talented and committed staff, and the sharp demand for strategic communications consulting, we more than doubled in size in the past five years. There is no better time or place to be in communications than right now in Asia Pacific,” said Davis.

Fleishman-Hillard and TCL, the PRC’s largest consumer electronics maker, won the Crisis/Issue Management category for their highly effective reputation management efforts during the 2010 Asian Games.

The firm’s Beijing office clinched the Fashion, Beauty & Luxury trophy for its China launch of Tiffany’s Blue Book Collection. This first-ever debut of the special collection outside of New York leveraged a fully integrated marketing campaign that incorporated traditional media, social media, and celebrity endorsements, helping to substantially increase sales in Asia Pacific.

Fleishman-Hillard was named Asia Pacific Consultancy of the Year for extraordinary growth, innovation, and influence, as announced in the 2011 Holmes Report Agency Report Card.

Fleishman-Hillard’s parent company, Omnicom Group, was also highlighted as Serge Dumont, Omnicom group vice chairman and chairman Asia Pacific received the SABRE Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement. In announcing the highest recognition, Holmes Report publisher Paul Holmes stated, “Known as the ‘father of public relations in China,’ Dumont is probably the only foreigner to have been present when the industry started in China more than 25 years ago, and to have played an active role in shaping it over the past quarter century.”

About Fleishman-Hillard

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at fleishmanhillard.com.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

In the West, the average age is 55! Coronary artery disease generally affects Indians a decade earlier compared to the Western population. Also, the disease in Indians is more severe compared to those in the West, probably due to genetic predisposition. This genetic tendency is made worse with the increasingly deteriorating lifestyle of urban young adults. Some estimates indicate that heart disease is the single largest killer surpassing diabetes, tuberculosis and cancer in a city like Delhi.

Over 70 per cent of all cardiac emergencies occur at home when a family member is present and available to help a victim. The household is the hub for family activities, and as a focal point in everyone’s life, is the perfect place to start taking action to improve heart health. Picking from the theme for World Heart Day this time, there is a need to spread awareness around the same world across, in each household.

Risk factors for heart disease and stroke include raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables, obesity and physical inactivity.

By adopting a few household behaviors, people in India can live longer and better lives through the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke. Some steps should be followed to lead a healthy life such as healthy eating for example – eat  five portions of fruit and vegetables, avoid saturated fats and processed foods, sensible intake of alcohol, avoiding tobacco, exercise for 30 minutes a day and avoid stressful situations as much as possible.

On World Heart Day, do something for your heart and reduce your chances of life threatening stroke and heart disease.

2010: A Milestone Year

Through pure organic growth, Fleishman-Hillard has doubled its size in Asia Pacific since 2006, becoming one of the largest and most recognized communications consulting networks in the region. That growth was topped off by a milestone year in 2010, as every office in the firm’s Asia Pacific network posted significant gains – contributing to a regional expansion rate of 29 percent, and an unprecedented headcount increase of 34 percent. Key factors included expansion to Indonesia and further expansion in India with additional offices in Bangalore and New Delhi, as well as the launch of the VOX Global public affairs brand in Japan.

“This is a proud moment for our entire firm, but the honor belongs to the men and women of our Asia Pacific region, who have led this outstanding growth and continued to build our reputation among clients in this dynamic marketplace,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard’s president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to their efforts, we have a client portfolio that’s well balanced between great blue-chip multinational clients from the West and those rapidly emerging from the East. We have increased our range of practices and capabilities and expanded our geographic footprint. We’ve hired and retained highly talented people and shown trusted, consistent and visionary leadership across the board.

“The groundwork is being laid to support Asia Pacific as a central point in our vision for global growth and leadership,” Senay added. “The strategic moves we’re making are already driving tremendous momentum, as our growth and client relationships are increasingly being led from Asia Pacific.”

“We have a fervent belief in the power of local leadership, and we are particularly proud of our success in developing local talent for the long-term sustainability of our business,” said Lynne Anne Davis, Fleishman-Hillard Asia Pacific president. “That’s evidenced by the fact that nearly all of our Asia Pacific offices are headed by leaders native to that particular market. Their local market insights and understanding provide a distinct competitive advantage that significantly benefits our clients and contributes to our growth.

“Since we entered the region in the early ‘90s, the Fleishman-Hillard network in Asia Pacific has grown to include 16 wholly owned operations across nine countries, specializing in consulting on corporate, technology, healthcare and consumer marketing communications, as well as digital and sports business, financial services and investor relations, stakeholder communications, public affairs, crisis and issues management,” said Davis. “Our entrepreneurial spirit is flourishing, as we continuously redefine ourselves and the services we provide to our clients in a rapidly evolving era of communications. Despite the rapid growth, we have upheld our strong emphasis on our culture and guiding principles that put people first.”

Focus on People: Appointment of Asia Pacific Recruitment Manager

In support of its ambitious plans to fuel continued expansion across the region, Fleishman-Hillard has recently appointed Zena Shum as regional recruitment manager, based in Hong Kong. In this newly created role, Shum will be dedicated to developing and implementing recruitment strategies to satisfy the sharp demand for exceptional counselors and leaders across the Asia Pacific region and continuing to position the firm as the industry’s employer of choice. Prior to joining Fleishman-Hillard, Shum was a senior consultant at a recruitment agency specializing in talent acquisition across the media, marketing, advertising and PR industries in Asia.

“Because talent is the lifeblood of our business, Zena is one of the most pivotal hires we will make this year,” Davis said. “Our commitment to ensuring that Fleishman-Hillard continues to be ‘a place where exceptionally talented people do the best work of their lives’ is resonating extremely well with staff, as well as with clients. If we continue to get that right, we will meet our goal to double our size again in the next three years. Having someone as resourceful and passionate as Zena totally focused on mining top talent will make a significant impact on our future.”

Interested applicants may contact her at Zena.Shum@fleishman.com.

Overall, Fleishman-Hillard increased its talent development team threefold with the addition of dedicated HR staff in India, China, Singapore and Japan over the past 18 months. These professionals are responsible for training and development, employee benefits, career planning and retention.

About Fleishman-Hillard

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at fleishmanhillard.com.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Women make up 47 percent of the firm’s corporate executives with profit-and-loss responsibility, a main component of NAFE’s ranking. And with regard to advancement opportunities, at Fleishman-Hillard – where women make up 64 percent of the firm’s worldwide workforce – 70 percent of those promoted last year were women.

“We have a strong track record of supporting employees’ growth and development,” said Dave Senay, president and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard. “That has enabled us to attract and retain not only the most talented women in our industry, but to provide opportunities for them to reach their full potential. And we couple those opportunities with HR policies that promote a favorable work-life balance.”

Within the past year, strategic senior-level hires include Stephanie Marchesi, managing director of Global Integrated Marketing Communications; Anne de Schweinitz, director of healthcare marketing in New York; and Maxine Winer, general manager of Chicago.

“Women now make up more than 50 percent of our senior management team, holding such crucial roles as client relationship managers, general managers and global practice group leaders,” said Agnes Gioconda, chief talent officer and one of the agency’s three C-suite female executives. “In addition, our regional presidents in the U.S. Central, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic areas, as well as in Canada and Asia Pacific, are women. We clearly strive to provide women these opportunities and benefit from the excellent leaders we’ve developed.”

NAFE, founded in 1972, serves 20,000 members nationwide with networking, tools and solutions to strengthen and grow their careers and businesses. NAFE Magazine publishes the annual Top Companies issue and the annual Women of Excellence issue. NAFE.com provides up-to-date information, community for women in business and access to member benefits. NAFE is a division of Working Mother Media and Bonnier Corp.

About Fleishman-Hillard

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at fleishmanhillard.com.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.