SINGAPORE--Hill & Knowlton has restructured its international operations, with former Asia-Pacific president and COO Viv Lines moving into a new role heading global client service.

The rejig sees South Asia, Central Asia and Australia folded into a new unit called AMEASCA, which also houses the Middle East and Africa. Dave Robinson, who previously oversaw the latter two regions, becomes CEO of AMEASCA, with EMEA chairman Sally Costerton extending her remit over the new region.

James Heimowitz, who previously headed North Asia and China, takes charge of the remaining Asian markets, becoming president and CEO of Asia and chairman of China.

H&K has also handed new geographic responsibilities to a number of its key leaders. Norway CEO Lars Erik Gronntun takes charge of Northeast and Central Europe, while Mediterranean/CEE CEO Cesare Valli adds France to his duties and becomes CEO of Southern Europe.

UK CEO Richard Millar, meanwhile, has also been handed responsibility for Germany.

H&K COO Ken Luce said the reorginsation resulted from a "fresh perspective" of client needs. "From a business perspective, it's a very logical way for us to organise our business, both internally and externally," he said. "The focus in all of this is that it's a better way to serve our clients."

Lines, who is based in Singapore, has spent more than 25 years with Hill & Knowlton, including seven years overseeing Asia-Pacific. He has led several of H&K’s Asia offices since arriving in the region in 1991.

“We are committed to establishing our firm as an unparalleled source of strategic counsel and wisdom for clients,” said Jack Martin, global chairman and CEO of Hill & Knowlton. “Viv is one of the most trusted individuals in our firm, with proven expertise and client relationship acumen to lead client service.

Heimowitz rejoined H&K in 2004 after a diverse career that included consulting and in-house roles. He remains based in Hong Kong.