SINGAPORE--Newgate Communications has hired former Kreab Gavin Anderson (KGA) MD Terence Foo to lead its new operation in Singapore.

The launch follows the UK firm's expansion into Hong Kong earlier this year. Foo rejoins Newgate Hong Kong MD Richard Barton, after the duo previously worked together at KGA.

A highly-rated operator in Singapore's corporate and financial PR market, Foo departed KGA last year following the exit of a number of senior executives, including Barton and UK head Fergus Wylie. 

Barton joined Newgate at the start of this year, while Wylie has been appointed director of international development at Newgate parent Porta Communications. 

Newgate's Singapore team will comprise six consultants, focusing on corporate communications, capital markets transaction communications, investor relations and public affairs.

“The opening of our Singapore office is an important development in Newgate’s growth strategy, following on from Hong Kong earlier in the year," said Porta CEO David Wright. "We are now present in two of the key financial and commercial hubs in Asia, supported by an impressive affiliate network. I am confident that the team in Singapore will drive our expansion ambitions in Southeast Asia."

Last month, Newgate inked affiliate deals with firms in Taiwan and Macau. The firm also has offices in London, Edinburgh, Brussels and Frankfurt.