Burson-Marsteller names Bob Pickard as Asia-Pacific chief

He was most recently president of North Asia for Edelman and led its Korea and Japan operations.

Pickard succeeds current APAC chief, Simon Pangrazio, who advised the firm he will be leaving on 26 February to pursue another professional opportunity.

Pickard will lead a 19-office regional operation spanning seven markets and over 500 staff. BM also has 11 affiliate offices across eight countries in the region.

The appointment will be made effective 1 February and Pickard will report to Burson-Marsteller global CEO Mark Penn. According to Penn: “Bob’s track record of success, both in Asia and during the course of his career, is remarkable. He is a proven leader as well as a world-class client counsellor. He will join a growing operation that I am sure will benefit from his experience.”

On Pangrazio's departure, Penn said: “I thank Simon Pangrazio for his significant contribution to the firm over the past 13 years, particularly for the last two years when, as regional CEO, he helped BM grow our Asia-Pacific operations, even during the recent global economic downturn."