SINGAPORE—Allison Lim is to begin her second stint as Burson-Marsteller Singapore head, following the departure of Barkha Patel after less than a year in the role.

Lim previously held the role from 2007 to 2011, when she departed Burson and joined Watatawa. She rejoined the WPP agency earlier this year as regional public affairs MD, a role that she will retain while leading Singapore.

According to a statement from Burson, Patel has left to "pursue another professional opportunity." Patel was hired in January to rebuild the firm's Singapore presence, taking on a position that had remained vacant for more than two years. 

“Allison is a valued member of the Burson-Marsteller team, demonstrating leadership and drive that are essential in a market leader,” said Burson-Marsteller regional chairman Patrick Ford.

“In this new expanded role, Burson-Marsteller’s clients and team members will continue to benefit from her public affairs and government relations expertise, as well as her vision and strategy to make Singapore a hub for new business and growth.”