SYDNEY—Ogilvy PR Australia has signed affiliate agreements with two specialist public relations firms in New Zealand to create its first Trans-Tasman network. Blackland PR and Cadence Communications will partner with Ogilvy PR Australia to broaden the reach for clients from their bases in the capital Wellington and Auckland respectively.

SYDNEY— McLaren Automotive, the British manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sports cars and super cars, has appointed DEC PR as its strategic communications partner in Australia and New Zealand, following a competitive pitch process. DEC PR will lead an ongoing programme of engagement activities spanning media, events, affinity networks and activations. McLaren has simultaneously appointed The Ross Partnership as its marketing and creative partner, and both agencies will collaborate on building a growing awareness for the brand and the range of high-performance sports cars. 

SINGAPORE—SPAG Asia, a specialist communications firm serving the pharmaceutical, medical devices, healthcare and not-for-profit sectors, has opened a Singapore office and appointed Julia Lai as country head. Lai has previously held senior positions with international PR agencies including Hill+Knowlton, Waggener Edstrom and Lewis PR.

SYDNEY—Following a competitive pitch process, Frank PR has been appointed on a retained basis by tax specialist H&R Block a the company aims to become the principal voice of authority on all tax related matters in Australia.  

HONG KONG—Meltwater has hired Text100 to lead its communication strategy in Hong Kong and strengthen its reputation in the region. Text100’s scope of work spans communications, creative content and strategy, and the firm will provide strategic counsel to build Meltwater’s brand reputation in Hong Kong as well as increase its growing list of clients across Asia.

HONG KONG—Racepoint Global has named Mark Lee as vice president in its Hong Kong office. Lee, previously an associate director at Edelman, had advised top global brands including Tencent, Tesla, Huawei, ZTE, Symantec, Visa and Juniper Networks. He was previously a technology correspondent at Bloomberg News.