BEIJING — Finn Partners has hired former Golin China MD Jason Cao to launch its Beijing office, which extends the fast-growing independent firm's Asia-Pacific footprint beyond Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Cao arrives as senior partner, after leaving Golin at the end of 2020. He is tasked with driving growth across healthcare, technology and consumer, reporting to managing partner Cathy Chon, who is based in Hong Kong.

Finn now has approximately 80 people in Asia, with much of the growth being driven by the firm's technology-focused Singapore operation, which is led by managing partner Naeema Ismail. After increasing fee income by 25% in 2021, the firm has also announced two promotions in Singapore, with Safina Samian becoming partner and head of integrated marketing communications, and Vincent Leong named partner.

CEO Peter Finn told PRovoke Media that Cao will focus in particular on extending Finn's technology and healthcare capabilities into China. "One of our goals is for Finn Partners to be able to serve our clients in key markets all around the world. It really has been a gap for us to not have technology and health capabilities in China."

Finn also reiterated the long-term importance of China, despite "complications in the relationship" between the country and the US. 

"Beijing is obviously a very important global market and one that we’ve been looking to enter for quite some time now," added Chon. "We were very fortunate to be introduced to Jason, who has had great success throughout his career, particularly in client relations and business development."

Finn's Asia presence is overseen by US West Coast leader Howard Solomon, who is based in San Francisco. The agency has also brought on former Ruder Finn Asia-Pacific chairman Jean-Michel Dumont as a strategic advisor in the region, amid plans for further expansion.