HONG KONG--Edelman has promoted Andrew Kirk to managing director of the firm’s Hong Kong and Taiwan offices. Previously the deputy managing director and head of the corporate practice at Edelman Hong Kong, he replaces Damian Coory who will finish his full time position in mid-May.

Kirk will oversee all operations of the Hong Kong regional hub office, working closely with Taiwan GM Peter Tou. He will aim to expand on Edelman’s existing strengths in corporate and financial communications, technology PR and property-sector marketing communications to cater to clients across industries. He will also focus on hiring and retaining diverse talent and driving Edelman’s leadership in digital PR and intellectual capital more strongly in the Hong Kong and Taiwan markets.

Kirk joined Edelman in 2009 and most recently rebuilt the Hong Kong corporate practice, more than tripling its size in the past year. He has 12 years of experience in Asia, and was previously GM and executive counsel at Hill & Knowlton Australia.

“Our Hong Kong and Taiwan offices have achieved great success in strengthening capabilities to meet client needs, and Andrew has had an active role in that,” said Edelman Asia-Pacific CEO David Brain. “I’m confident he will be able to continue to provide strong leadership to our clients and staff in this critically important hub market, and I am delighted that we are promoting from within.”

“There has been a shift in awareness about the importance and value of PR in recent years, but many companies in Hong Kong have yet to extract maximum value from strategic and innovative use of the discipline,” added Kirk. “I believe this leaves a competitive advantage to be seized by those who do, and I’m proud to be able to lead the Edelman team to further growth and success here and in Taiwan.”