SINGAPORE — APCO Worldwide has hired James Yi as managing director of Southeast Asia operations to help to grow its corporate, healthcare and public affairs business.

Yi joins APCO from GLOBALHealthPR, where he was executive director for Asia Pacific. He was previously Burson-Marsteller’s CEO and market leader for Korea, and Vietnam MD at Ogilvy Public Relations. Yi has also held senior roles in Asia at MAX Public Relations in Singapore, Fleishman-Hillard, McCann Health and Baldwin Boyle Shand.

APCO Worldwide CEO Brad Staples said Yi would provide “a great boost and energy” to APCO’s offer in the region. He added: “Helping clients successfully navigate reputational challenges, corporate communications crises and complex geopolitical issues is at the core of what we do. James’ addition enhances our ability to provide innovative solutions that will help them succeed in such an important global region.”

Yi said: “Much of the future of global business, technology and health care flows from innovations made in Southeast Asia. I’m excited to lead this distinguished and growing team and look forward to helping clients from around the world thrive in this critical region.”