BEIJING--Edelman has lured Burson-Marsteller China veteran Cindy Tian to the role of Asia-Pacific vice chairman.

Tian will report to David Brain, president & CEO of Edelman Asia Pacific. She will also lead the firm's China public affairs group, reporting to Thomas Mattia, recently appointed chair of Edelman China.

Tian has led Burson-Marsteller China since 2006, most recently as executive chairwoman, following the arrival of Chris Deri as B-M's China CEO in 2010.

“Edelman’s independence and pioneering work are highly regarded across the industry,” said Tian. “I’m honored to be joining a team of established counselors and leaders to help build on the incredible momentum created in China and across the globe.”

Tian was a Chinese diplomat for nearly 10 years from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, focusing on culture exchanges and external communications with overseas postings in the United States and the Caribbean. She was among the first group of external communications professionals trained by the Chinese government.