Edelman appoints Cornelia Kunze Vice Chairman, Asia Pacific

Edelman, the world’s largest public relations firm, has named Cornelia Kunze vice chairman, Edelman Asia Pacific. In her new position, Kunze, presently CEO of Edelman Germany, will support David Brain, President and CEO, Asia Pacific, and the regional team in building out Edelman’s fastest growing region. Kunze will be based in Mumbai and report to Brain.

 

Kunze will have a particular remit to help develop the consumer and brand planning offer.  She will also further develop Edelman’s current stable of German clients in the region which includes, BMW, Osram, BASF and TÜV SÜD. In India, , Kunze will support Robert Holdheim, Managing Director of Edelman India, with the rapid development expansion of that business in the wake of the Tata win by Rediffusion/ Edelman.

 

Kunze’s placement in Mumbai is a reflection of the growing importance of India in the region for Edelman. Asia Pacific markets are emerging at unprecedented rates and India marks a significant point of growth for the entire region.

 

“Cornelia brings with her the understanding that smart companies recognize the need for competitive advantage by being more strategic in their public relations approach. I worked with Cornelia for seven years in EMEA during which time she took our business in Germany from $6 Mio to $18 Mio (2012) and leaves us now with, by far, the most awarded marketing PR offer in that country,” said David Brain.

 

“Over the past few years, Cornelia has transformed our offering in Germany into what is arguably the most sophisticated of its kind in the market” said Robert Holdheim. “One piece of this was the acquisition and integration of digital firm GoSub. That experience will be invaluable as we look to continue our development in the Indian market.”

 

“Whilst I will miss my fabulous German colleagues and clients, I am really looking forward to this new challenge in Asia and to being based in India, a market I experienced for six weeks last year,” said Kunze. 

A new CEO for Edelman Germany will be announced later this month.