Former Digitas global CEO Alan Rutherford opens regional consulting company

Axis Business Consulting acts as the first company in Asia that focuses on providing investment strategies for international advertising networks, private equity funds and local independent agencies.

The company will work closely with both the international agency networks, to support the development of their expansion strategies in the Asia region, and with independent Asian digital and media agencies as they seek to accelerate their development.

Rutherford said he was invited by The State Administration of Industry and Commerce (SAIC) to speak at the opening ceremony of the Western China International Fair and China International Advertising Festival in October 2010.

"At both events SAIC made it clear that advertising and media is an important sector to infuse economic growth," said Rutherford, "And it certainly will require investments, in terms of both funding and knowledge transfers, from around the world."

"However, we have not seen many successful and sustaining 'marriages' in the past few years. It will be Axis’ goal to facilitate information and knowledge exchanges, so that both the western investors and eastern agency owners will benefit from such collaborations," he added.

Axis is currently in talks with local digital agency owners, who are seeking professional advice on both investment and management consulting.

Au added that she is confident that their international management and M&A experiences will be critical for seeking fund raising and partnership opportunities.

Axis is officially registered in Hong Kong, and is serving clients and partners from their hubs in London, Shanghai and Beijing.