FleishmanHillard has named Geoff Bilbrough general manager of its Hong Kong operations. In his new role, he will report to former managing director Rachel Catanach, who remains FleishmanHillard’s senior partner and president, Greater China.
Bilbrough, who was the deputy general manager and senior vice president at FleishmanHillard since arriving in Hong Kong four years ago from New Zealand, became partner in 2016.
“In addition to being a seasoned counselor, particularly in the areas of crisis communications, brand marketing and reputation management, Bilbrough will bring a renewed focus on operational excellence in all aspects of the business. His promotion supports the growth of the Hong Kong office and FleishmanHillard’s evolution into a fully integrated communications company in Greater China,” said Catanach.
“Geoff has been integral to the success of our Hong Kong office over the past four years and is highly respected as a senior counselor, team leader and mentor,” she added.
Before joining FleishmanHillard, Bilbrough served as group operations director and then managing director (London) for Metia — formerly Write Image — a leading global digital marketing agency. While at Metia, he focused on general management, overseeing the company’s international offices in New York, Seattle and Singapore. Prior to this position, Bilbrough was Group Account Director at an agency in Wellington, New Zealand for 10 years. He also held roles in government, an industry lobby group and worked as press secretary for a minister in the New Zealand Parliament.
Patrick Yu, who will support Bilbrough, was promoted to deputy general manager. Yu joined the firm in 2005 and has risen through the ranks to become senior vice president and partner, and the lead of the region’s financial and professional services offering. Yu has a broad range of experience in strategic communications including reputation management, corporate marketing, media relations and managing international communications programs for financial institutions in the region.
“In more than 10 years with the company, Patrick has worked his way up to be the agency lead for financial and professional services in the region, where he has built strong and valuable relationships with key members of the business and financial industry, including media. He will continue to play this essential role in addition to his new responsibilities as deputy general manager,” said Catanach. “I congratulate both Geoff and Patrick as they take the helm at this exciting stage of the company’s development.”
