BEIJING—Huntsworth has hired Chris Tang as Asia-Pacific CEO, with Bob Pickard moving into the role of chairman of the company's regional operations.

The move comes after former Burson-Marsteller regional head Pickard was announced as Huntsworth Asia-Pacific CEO last year. Instead, Pickard joins the company this week as chairman.

Tang is hired as CEO after departing her previous role as Asia-Pacific MD at the Hoffman Agency last year. Tang spent almost five years at Hoffman in Beijing, where she will remain based.

Both Pickard and Tang will report to Huntsworth CEO Lord Chadlington. 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.

Tang, meanwhile, will have full P&L responsibilities 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 BlueFocus, which recently made a £36.5 million investment in Huntsworth. 

“Chris has a tremendous track record in building successful communications businesses," said Chadlington. "I’m confident she will be able to capitalize on our many promising opportunities in China, Asia-Pacific and internationally by partnering with Blue Focus."
 
"Chris and Bob together form a formidable senior leadership team for Asia-Pacific," he added. "Their collective ambition, ability and experience, I’m sure, will make a real difference in significantly expanding the scale of our operations and developing our brands right across the region.” 
 
Prior to Hoffman, Tang spent eight years at Text 100, including five years as managing director of Greater China heading up the firm’s Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong operations. Earlier in her career, Tang founded Elite Consulting in Beijing before its acquisition by Text 100.