BEIJING—Edelman China has hired government affairs veteran Qu Hong as chief consultant of government relations and public policy. Prior to joining Edelman, Hong served as chief consultant of public affairs and government relations at Weber Shandwick. He also served in various positions at Burson-Marsteller over seven years. He has worked with brands including Visa, Microsoft, BHP Billiton, Total, Western Union, ExxonMobil, Mars, Colgate, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Volvo, Roche and Haier.

SINGAPORE—Rice Communications has been appointed by Subaru distributor Motor Image to support brand communications in Singapore. The agency will also provide corporate communications and media relations support across Southeast Asia for parent company Tan Chong International as it grows its automotive business across the region. Rice’s first task was to launch the all-new Subaru Forester in Singapore in April this year.

CANBERRA— Nick Campbell, a former Howard government staffer and head of corporate affairs and strategy for Johnson & Johnson, has launched corporate advisory and public affairs firm CapitalHill Advisory. The firm will focus on the dialogue between both business and government to develop sound public policy. Chairman Campbell will be joined by director of policy and strategy Chris Stone, also a former senior adviser to Prime Minister John Howard.

SYDNEY—The Hallway has been selected by Australian Cherries for PR, social media and experiential duties following a competitive three-way pitch. The ad agency launched its PR offer in January 2013, spearheaded by Louise Pogmore. Australian Cherries joins a list of PR clients at The Hallway including Mizone, Tourism & Events Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Whitsundays.