HONG KONG — Hyatt has brought in Weber Shandwick to handle regional PR support at its Hong Kong hub after nine years with Ogilvy PR, PRovoke Media has learned.

The decision to shift the lucrative PR remit follows a competitive review that took place in late 2021. The Asia-Pacific mandate sees Weber Shandwick support Hyatt's regional office in Hong Kong. Hyatt operates two further regional hubs: Shanghai (already handled by Weber Shandwick) and Tokyo.   

"Hyatt’s exceptional focus on its employees, as well as on guests and clients aligns well with our own business approach," said Weber Shandwick Asia-Pacific CEO Tyler Kim, who confirmed the appointment on behalf of Hyatt. 

In 2020, Hyatt consolidated global PR duties with Zeno after previously working with Golin and Cohn & Wolfe. Meanwhile, Ogilvy was named global creative agency for the World of Hyatt loyalty program last year. 

Meanwhile, Hyatt promoted Franziska Weber to global communications head last year after the departure of Kathy Krenger. 

"We thoroughly enjoyed the partnership with Hyatt since the end of 2012," said Ogilvy PR Hong Kong president Clara Shek. "In a world where change is the only certainty, we are immensely proud of the longevity of our partnership with Hyatt and thoughtful communications we have accomplished together through the ups and downs of the industry."