Chris Tang joins Huntsworth as regional CEO; Bob Pickard promoted to APAC chairman

Pickard's promotion is effective immediately, and Tang will join on 1 February.

The change means Pickard's official tenure as Asia-Pacific CEO will last only a month; he officially took on the role on 1 January, although Huntsworth announced it in June last year.

Pickard and Tang will work closely to grow the group's global brands in the region, including Citigate, Grayling and Huntsworth Health. Both report to Lord Chadlington, Huntsworth’s Group CEO.

Pickard will continue to be based in Singapore with a focus on client development and new business, including global communications for Asian multinationals. He will also chair the firm’s new regional board.

Based in Beijing, Tang will have full P&L responsibility for Huntsworth’s Asia-Pacific operations, with all offices reporting to her. In addition, she will play a pivotal role in the strategic alliance with China's BlueFocus, which recently made a US$59.7 million investment in Huntsworth.

Tang was most recently the Asia-Pacific managing director of The Hoffman Agency, leading offices in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore plus a network of regional affiliates. Prior to this, she was with Text 100 as managing director for Greater China. Tang founded Elite Consulting in Beijing earlier in her career before its acquisition by Text 100.

Her 20-year career includes experience in industries including technology, media, finance, healthcare, education, mining and energy and in disciplines including corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, executive communications training, issue/crisis management and social-media communications, according to the company.