Porter Novelli China Established With Bluefocus
Porter Novelli also names Beijing-based new regional director for Asia Pacific

BEIJING - Porter Novelli and BlueFocus today announced the launch of Porter Novelli China.

Porter Novelli China, which represents a full-service public relations offering, has been created as a separate entity through the two agencies. It will work closely with Porter Novelli's global technology, health care, corporate, public affairs and consumer practices.

Porter Novelli is one of the world's leading global agencies, with a focus on business-centered communications. With six offices across the country, BlueFocus is the largest independent public relations firm in China and, according to China's leading marketing magazine, Successful Marketing, is one of the top three-ranked agencies in the country in terms of quality and reputation.

"The public relations consultancy market is experiencing rapid growth in China, currently growing by an average of 30 percent annually, and this is reflected in the growth opportunities we are now seeing with our multinational clients," said Helen Ostrowski, chief executive officer of Porter Novelli. "Given our heritage of harnessing the unique cultural and local market strengths of our partners around the world, we are honored to have forged a partnership with BlueFocus. They are clearly one of the dominant agencies in China, and we know they will translate their successful approach and quality service to our global clients."

BlueFocus was established 10 years ago to handle technology clients. Since then, the agency has expanded to other sectors such as health care, establishing a clear leadership position in leveraging the changing media environment on behalf of clients.

"We expect our partnership with Porter Novelli to expand our company's capabilities in China in two ways," said Oscar Zhao, chief executive officer and co-founder of BlueFocus. "Porter Novelli's focus on business-centered communications will be welcomed by clients as a fresh approach; public relations absolutely must impact the business goals of our clients. Porter Novelli's expertise especially in health care, public affairs and consumer has huge potential for us, given China's economic growth and government reform."

According to John Chen, deputy secretary general of the China International PR Association, the public relations industry in China is at a new stage in its evolution. "Although the industry has been developing over the past 20 years, it is entering a period in which it can take advantage of China's strengthening role on the world stage. The establishment of Porter Novelli China at this particular time will provide fresh insights for the continued sophistication of our industry."

Ostrowski also announced the appointment of Will Ludlam as the new regional director for Porter Novelli's Asia Pacific region.

"Will's focus will be on the smooth integration of Porter Novelli China with our network, including our established partners in the region," said Ostrowski. "Given his strong background in technology, consumer electronics and public affairs, as well as his role on our global executive committee, Will is well positioned to ensure Porter Novelli China realizes its full potential."

Porter Novelli China will be headed by Steven Chen as managing director. Also based in Beijing, he will work closely with Mr Ludlam.

About Porter Novelli [www.porternovelli.com]
Porter Novelli is one of the world's ten largest public relations firms, with owned and affiliated companies in all major markets and on all continents. Porter Novelli was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1972. Today, with an approach to public relations grounded in marketing and corporate communications disciplines, Porter Novelli serves clients through its 94 offices in 54 countries. Porter Novelli is a wholly owned subsidiary of Omnicom Group Inc (OMC), a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.