MELBOURNE — Lexus has hired Havas Blvd to amplify the Japanese carmaker’s sponsorship of the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Havas Blvd will manage consumer and lifestyle communications, including Lexus Ambassadors and friends of Lexus through entertainment, culinary, sustainability and design experiences. The appointment expands on Havas Blvd’s long-standing Lexus Product PR scope that incorporates media relations, content, launches and event-management remits, as well as corporate communications and crisis management.

SINGAPORE — Tim Williamson has launched Leon Communications, a new strategic communications consultancy focused on the financial and professional services sectors and fintech in the Asia-Pacific region. Leon Communications will provide a full suite of corporate communications services including strategy and messaging, reputation management, media relations, integrated communications and media training. Williamson was, most recently, managing director, Asia-Pacific at Telum Media based in Singapore. He previously worked at the BBC, Bloomberg and Brunswick, was APAC managing director at Cognito Media and led the financial services practice for Singapore-based strategic consultancy Watatawa.

MUMBAI — Honasa has appointed Zeno Group to lead its strategic brand communications mandate for two brands, The Derma Co and Aqualogica. As part of the mandate, Zeno will lead the communication strategy for the two brands managing communications across both traditional and digital channels. Zeno is charged with driving awareness on the need for hydration, while building the equity for Aqualogica. In addition, Zeno will also partner with Honasa in promoting The Derma Co’s skincare solutions powered by science.

HONG KONG — Vermilion Asia has appointed Fiona Law as PR and content specialist. Working in Hong Kong, Law will service clients in the financial services sector, with a focus on China PR and financial content. She was, most recently, a fixed income dealer at Bank of Communications.