SYDNEY — SEC Newgate is aiming to expand further via acquisition after reporting 14% growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

The corporate consultancy, which is led by deputy global CEO Brian Tyson (pictured) in this region, currently operates across Australia (where Tyson is based), Greater China and Hong Kong. The firm's 150 staffers reported around €22m in 2022 fee income, but remains keen to expand its presence in North and Southeast Asia.

To that end, Tyson told PRovoke Media that SEC Newgate is particularly interested in acquisition in Japan, focusing on the firm's core capabilities in capital markets, corporate comms, public affairs and market research.

"We don’t have Japan, and we want to be in Japan," said Tyson. "We want to develop the footprint and broaden as much as we can across the region."

Tyson's comments come as SEC Newgate rises up PRovoke Media's Global Agency Rankings, to 21st place in the latest edition — with 84% global growth bolstered by the acquisition of US public affairs heavyweight Global Strategy Group.

In Asia, the firm's presence is heavily weighted towards Tyson's home market of Australia, where 120 people operate what is probably the country's biggest single brand public relations consultancy. 

In addition to Japan, Tyson said that SEC Newgate is also exploring opportunities in Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.

In Greater China, key hires have included former Brunswick executive Renfeng Zhao to lead mainland China, reporting to managing partner James Hill, and senior advisor Mary Devereux. In Singapore, meanwhile, managing partner Terence Foo said that a key priority is to build a bigger digital practice.

New business that has fuelled SEC Newgate's growth includes regional mandates from iCapital and an international digital asset platform. In Australia, highlights include Endeavour Energy, Carnival Cruises Australia, and Mondelez.

“We are seeing good growth in joint mandate opportunities between Greater China and Singapore, as financial services, professional services and fintech companies seize opportunities across the region as Asia economies rebound," said Hill.