HONG KONG--Hill + Knowlton Strategies has continued its Asia reshuffle by naming new leadership in Hong Kong and South Asia. 

Rachel Chan, a nine-year veteran of H+K, is promoted to the MD role in Hong Kong, after previously serving as GM of the firm's Greater China financial communications practice.

The Hong Kong MD position was previously held by Asia-Pacific president and CEO John Morgan, who noted that Chan had "built a client portfolio comprising many of the region’s most respected and successful companies, whose businesses have helped to shape diverse sectors across Asia and around the world."

Also in Hong Kong, KW Lam has been promoted to deputy MD. Lam shifts from his previous position as GM of the Hong Kong financial communications practice.

Two other promotions take place in India. H+K India president Radhika Shapoorjee has been named South Asia president, while Sara Gourlay becomes COO of the Indian operation. Gourlay, who joined H+K in 2000, was most recently client service director for H+K across Africa, India, the Middle East and Turkey.

"India is a magical, intoxicating and absorbing country, and the opportunity to play a role in driving our business forward in that market is compelling,”  said Gourlay. “We have an established team of bright, engaged professionals and an established heritage of excellence in market, and we are looking to build on that to increase our offer for India at a pivotal point in the country's history."

The appointment are the latest in a series of moves made by H+K in Asia, which began with Morgan's ascension to the top spot following the departure of James Heimowitz last year. 

In February, global chairman and CEO Jack Martin elevated China to region status, reporting directly to the US, and promoted longtime staffers Ye Yu and Ivy Soonthornsima lead the new region. Shortly afterwards, the firm announced promotions in Singapore, naming Jamie Morse as MD and Chip Ng as deputy MD and regional director of financial communications for Southeast Asia.

 “The influence of China and broader Asia on our firm and our clients cannot be overstated, and that influence makes the region a top priority for me and for our firm,” said H+K chairman and CEO Jack Martin, who recently completed a 10-day tour of the region.