Faaez Samadi
Sep 8, 2017

Bell Pottinger Asia rebrands as Klareco Communications

Memo from CEO states that Asia business of beleaguered UK namesake is "ringfenced" and solvent.

Ang Shih Huei
Ang Shih Huei

Bell Pottinger Asia today relaunched as Klareco Communications, formalising its total separation from Bell Pottinger UK, which is close to collapse following the scandal over its involvement in a campaign in South Africa.

A memo from Asia CEO Ang Shih Huei (see below) said that it had been an “extraordinary and difficult time” but that the Asia team was now relaunching as Klareco Communications under a new ownership structure.

“This underlines what we have been reiterating over recent days—that our team in Asia, is and always has been, a separate legal entity from Bell Pottinger in the UK,” the memo read. “While the UK business is expected to go into administration as early as next week, the Asia business is entirely ringfenced and solvent. Our teams are intact, we continue to serve our clients and it is entirely business as usual.”

Klareco means "clarity" in Esperanto, and Huei said the name “underlines the diversity and inclusive values of this team, and our aspirations for the future”.

Bell Pottinger’s rapid demise last week stems from work for South African client Oakbay Investment, which was deemed “likely to inflame racial discord” by the UK Public Relations and Communications Association. The PRCA then expelled the PR agency, and CEO James Henderson resigned. Numerous clients severed ties with the agency following the revelations.

Source:
Campaign Asia

Related Articles

Just Published

11 hours ago

PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2025: Winners announced

The PR Awards Asia-Pacific celebrated its 24th edition with a lively ceremony in Hong Kong. Check out the complete list of winners here.

19 hours ago

How AIA is changing behavior through communication

AIA Group CMO Stuart Spencer discusses how the insurer is changing perceptions about what it means to be healthy, and about its own industry in the process.

20 hours ago

2025 Cannes Contenders: Bear Meets Eagle On Fire’s ...

The Aussie studio's creative directors Cass Jam and Mark Carbone reveal their top campaigns that combine wit, practicality, and cinematic flair ahead of Cannes Lions 2025.

21 hours ago

A new agency business model for the post-gen AI ...

In this sequel to his analysis of gen AI's impact on agency business models, marketing consultant Andreas Moelmann suggests agency profitability lies in creative consulting.