MHP Communications, part of the Engine Group, announced the opening of a new Singapore office to meet growing client needs in Southeast Asia.

It follows MHP’s expansion to Frankfurt, and North America, through a partnership with Dukas Linden in 2016.

The office will be led by Kelly Johnston who joins MHP as General Manager for Singapore. She will report to Emma Smith, Chief Executive of MHP Asia Pacific.

Prior to MHP, Kelly held senior roles with consultancies BBS in Singapore, and PPR in Sydney, advising leading brands in the food and beverage, agriculture, energy, property, finance, travel, and environmental sectors. She has also worked in-house with Emirates Airline and Lion Beer, Spirits & Wine in Australia. 

Kelly started in public relations at Bell-Pottinger in London. She began her career as a journalist in her native New Zealand.

Alex Bigg, CEO of MHP Communications, says, “We’re excited to expand our global network to Southeast Asia. The deep strategic advisory experience of our Asia Pacific team combined with the creative resources of the MHP and Engine networks, gives us a unique position in the market. This follows a hugely successful year for MHP in 2016 where we received more than 50 awards – including a Gold Lion at Cannes for our Missing Type campaign for the NHS.”

Emma Smith, MHP CEO Asia Pacific, says, “Our team has more than 20 years’ experience working with business leaders across the region.  Building on the success of our Hong Kong and Sydney offices, we can now strengthen our Southeast Asia footprint. I’m thrilled to welcome Kelly to MHP to lead our Singapore office.  She brings significant integrated communications experience across corporate, consumer and financial sectors, and strong knowledge of the Southeast Asian markets.”