James Yi, a communications expert with over 20 years of experience globally and 13 of those years leading agencies across Asia, has joined APCO Worldwide as managing director of the firm’s Southeast Asia operations. Yi will be based in APCO’s Singapore office.
“Helping clients successfully navigate reputational challenges, corporate communications crises and complex geopolitical issues is at the core of what we do at APCO,” said Brad Staples, CEO of APCO Worldwide. “James’ addition enhances our ability to provide innovative solutions that will help them succeed in such an important global region. We’re delighted to welcome him to APCO and look forward to seeing our Southeast Asia team grow under his leadership.”
Prior to joining APCO, Yi held leadership posts with GLOBALHealthPR as the executive director for Asia Pacific, with Burson-Marsteller as the CEO and market leader for Korea, with Ogilvy Public Relations as the managing director for Vietnam and with MAX Public Relations in Singapore. Earlier in his career, Yi held senior roles in Asia with Fleishman-Hillard, McCann Health and Baldwin Boyle Shand.
Yi’s expertise in health care and health policy adds to a growing roster of APCO health experts including Nancy Turett, James Tyrrell, Wayne Pines, William Pierce and Elizabeth Funderburk.
Staples said Yi would provide “a great boost and energy” to APCO’s current offerings across the region. He said, “We have gone through an extensive selection process to demonstrate our commitment to getting the best person in and to growing our business across corporate, health care and public affairs, as well as expanding our foundational strength.”
“APCO is uniquely positioned to help organizations adapt and thrive in today’s complex world,” said Yi. “Much of the future of global business, technology and health care flows from innovations made in Southeast Asia. I’m excited to lead this distinguished and growing team and look forward to helping clients from around the world thrive in this critical region.”
Yi will lead a robust and growing team of commutations, public affairs, technology and corporate branding experts at APCO with deep ties in Southeast Asia, including Garry Walsh, Yanichnat Oom Chalermtiarana, Ambassador Devinda R. Subasinghe, Rami Sharaf, Mike Chinoy, Yuli Ismartono, Amanda Douglas and Levie Cequena.
