PERTH—Paul Downie, co-founder of FTI Consulting’s strategic communications practice in Perth, is rejoining the firm after taking a hiatus to pursue personal interests. Downie will serve as senior managing director and will be based in the firm’s Perth office, though he will be responsible for helping to grow the business and serve clients throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region. During his three-year tenure with FTI, Downie has specialized in corporate transactions in the financial institutions and mining sectors.

SYDNEY—Full service public relations agency DEC Communications has been appointed by Sydney Airport to handle corporate and consumer communications activity for its retail offering. Targeting Australian and international travellers, DEC PR will drive awareness of Sydney Airport as a world-class retail destination. The PR strategy will also underpin the airport's expansion plans and continued retail growth. DEC will also help drive content for and promotion of Sydney Airport's new glossy magazine, Companion.

SINGAPORE—Edelman has hired Jamie Read as Southeast Asia healthcare practice head and client director, based in Singapore. Prior to joining Edelman, Read was based in Dubai for six years, where he developed Ketchum’s healthcare practice in the Middle East and North Africa, working with clients such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, GSK, Medtronic and Sidra Medical and Research Center. Prior to his agency work, Read began his career in Canada at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, where he was responsible for internal and corporate communications, conference services and sponsorship.

BEIJING—The press office of the Chengdu Municipal Government has appointed Ogilvy Public Relations Beijing to design and manage its media outreach strategy and program during the Fortune Global Forum in the western city of Chengdu. Since 2010, the agency’s award-winning “Pambassadors” and “Panda Awareness Week” campaigns to brand the city of Chengdu have lifted its image abroad. Ogilvy PR was also selected based on the firm's work on other large scale conferences.

SINGAPORE—Rice Communications has been appointed by Digital Realty, a leading global provider of data centre solutions, as its PR partner for communications outreach in Southeast Asia for the next 12 months.