HONG KONG--Brunswick is expanding in Asia, launching a new office in Singapore and hiring a high-profile senior partner in China.

The firm's Singapore office is its fourth in the region, joining existing operations in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. 13-year agency veteran Kate Holgate relocates from Brunswick London to oversee the new office and recruit a local team.

Brunswick partner Holgate will be supported by two other London executives that have been seconded to Singapore: director Will Carnwath and associate Arif Shah.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, Brunswick has hired Mei Yan as senior partner. Yan brings 25 years of experience in the media sector, having held China-based senior management positions at News Corp, Turner International Asia and, most recently, Viacom International Media Networks Greater China, where she served as MD and chief representative.

Previously, Yan worked as a journalist with ITN and CNN. Brunswick founder and chairman Alan Parker noted that she "commands a high degree of respect throughout the Chinese business community."

"Brunswick's clients and media around the world will have the opportunity to draw upon her outstanding knowledge of the Chinese market to provide even stronger cross-border strategic communications support," said Parker.

Brunswick has also appointed Susan Ho as Hong Kong office head and promoted St. John Moore to partner in Beijing.

"Hiring Yan and relocating Kate Holgate to Singapore, reflect the increasing importance of Asia to Brunswick and our clients, and the growing role for strategic communications in helping support business challenges here," said Brunswick Asia managing partner Tim Payne.