HONG KONG — Simeon Mellalieu is departing Ketchum after two decades to become CEO of Burson's Hong Kong operation. 

Mellalieu was most recently Asia-Pacific client development partner at Ketchum for the past nine years. Previously, he was Hong Kong MD for the OPRG firm, which recently scaled back its regional presence.

"Hong Kong remains a critical regional hub for Asian companies seeking to build their reputation on the global stage," said Chung. "Simeon’s extensive experience will help us further bolster our ‘Asia Going Global’ offer in Hong Kong, helping clients navigate pivotal market changes and seize opportunities, both in the region and abroad."

Mellalieu, who joined Ketchum in 2004, has spent 20 years in Asia, advising clients across a range of sectors including fast fashion, semiconductors, automotive, gaming, travel and leisure, technology, food and beverage, and financial services.

“This is an incredibly exciting and important moment in time to be joining Burson,” said Mellalieu. “We have a large and extremely talented team in Hong Kong supported by a powerful global network. I’m looking forward to working alongside my new colleagues locally and internationally to build our leading position in the industry based on innovative solutions, cut-through creativity and incisive technology.”

His arrival at Burson comes after the newly-merged firm split leadership of the region between North and South Asia-Pacific, and parted ways with Hong Kong-based leaders Matt Stafford and Polka Yu.