Hill & Knowlton appoints branding expert Shoichi Yoshikawa as MD for Japan

TOKYO — Hill & Knowlton today appointed Shoichi Yoshikawa Managing Director of Hill & Knowlton Japan. Mr. Yoshikawa, an expert in integrated marketing and branding solutions, will significantly boost the firm’s offering at a time when both multinational and domestic companies need cost-effective communications strategies. He brings 18 years experience in creating and executing marketing and PR plans for global and domestic companies.

“We continue to invest in Japan despite a challenging economic environment,” said James B. Heimowitz, President & CEO, North Asia. “In 1957 Hill & Knowlton was the first international public relations agency to enter Japan. It has a rich history here and has helped clients tap opportunities through five decades of market fluctuations and cycles. Mr. Yoshikawa’s strong track record of success will be a tremendous asset for our clients as they become more active locally, in the region and globally”

“H&K Japan is a full service PR agency with a strong team of PR professionals,” said Mr. Yoshikawa. “I look forward to working with them on existing client challenges and expanding our range of capabilities to help clients better connect to their target audiences.”

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Yoshikawa was General Manager of the Retail Bank Group at Shinsei Bank, and held senior positions at Electric Arts Japan (EAJ); Nike Japan; and Walt Disney. Mr. Yoshikawa is the author of the book “Successful Branding”, published in 2006. He is a part-time professor of branding at Ritsumeikan University of Business Administration and has taught integrated brand development at the International University of Japan MBA program.

Hill & Knowlton Japan was established in 1957 and has grown to become a key player in the international PR industry. Today H&K advises a broad spectrum of Japanese companies, multinationals and government.

About Hill & Knowlton (www.hillandknowlton.com)
Hill & Knowlton, Inc. is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 79 offices in 43 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP, one of the world’s largest communications services groups.