BANGKOK—Doug Buemi has left Ogilvy PR to rejoin Cohn & Wolfe in the newly-created roles of vice-chairman and regional director for Asia-Pacific.

The appointment comes amid substantial expansion of Cohn & Wolfe's Asian footprint. The agency recently launched in the Philippines, after entering Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and significantly boosting its mainland China operations over the past three years.

Buemi first established Cohn & Wolfe's presence in China in 2006 and also held several other leadership positions including vice chairman, Los Angeles market leader and Western region CEO.

He departed Cohn & Wolfe in 2008, spending the past six years as regional executive advisor at Ogilvy PR. 

Buemi will have management oversight of Cohn & Wolfe's Asia-Pacific operations, working with regional market leaders to help grow the agency’s business, build capabilities and develop talent.  He will also advise on global strategy and partner with global CEO Donna Imperato to expand the agency’s presence in the region.

“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Doug back.  He is a proven leader who understands the Cohn & Wolfe culture, and who brings deep brand marketing expertise and decades of experience counseling clients on complex business challenges,” said Imperato.  “Doug also recognizes what it takes to be successful in the Asia Pacific region, having established numerous winning ventures there for Cohn & Wolfe and other companies.”