Boston-based Arnold Worldwide reopens for business in Shanghai

The Boston-based ad agency's move into China is its second attempt, after a failed effort in 2000. It is said to be prompted by new assignments, notably Arnold's contract as global agency of record for Dell. Known as Arnold StarEast Communications then, clients included Zest and Estee Lauder at that time.

"We're thrilled to be opening in Shanghai, one of the most vibrant and vital markets in the world," Andrew Benett, global CEO of Arnold Worldwide and also global chief strategy officer of Havas Worldwide said in a statement. He made no mention of it being a second opening.

Havas-owned Arnold is kicking off its re-entry into China by sharing office space with Euro RSCG. It is aiming to grow its team from 10 to 30 people by the end of this year, with plans to announce key hires forthcoming. 

David Jones, CEO of Havas, commented that the move "reflects our desire to expand Arnold as a global micro-network and our ambitions to grow even faster in China and Asia-Pacific. It's also another example of our belief in entrepreneurial start-ups."

The launch of Arnold in Shanghai follows the creation of BETC in London, Camp & King in San Francisco, Socialistic in New York, and Arnold Furnace in Australia.