SHANGHAI  — Ruder Finn has elevated Asia chairman Jean-Michel Dumont to a newly-created international leadership role, with longtime China head Elan Shou (pictured) moving up to become Asia director.

Dumont, who has led Ruder Finn Asia for the past 17 years, will depart Asia after 30 years in the region, returning to Europe to focus on growing the wider Ruder Finn global network, with an emphasis on boosting the agency’s EMEA presence.

Under Dumont's leadership, Ruder Finn has prospered in the region, winning Midsize Consultancy of the Year in 2017 and expanding — both geographically and in terms of service portfolio — across Asia.

Shou previously served as managing director of Ruder Finn Greater China, making the office among the agency’s most profitable, Ruder Finn said. Her  focus has been on building the firm's luxury and branding clients, and winning large-scale projects from brands including Shanghai Disney Resorts and Tencent.

“Both Jean-Michel and Elan are two of our most talented leaders at Ruder Finn,” said CEO Kathy Bloomgarden. “With their new roles, they will be able to take their leadership talent, business growth success and partnership development to benefit the broader agency across global offices.”