Burson-Marsteller appoints Gosuke Kumamura as digital lead in Japan 

Singapore, February 7 2011 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relationsandcommunications consultancy, today announced the appointment ofGosuke Kumamura as lead digital strategist for Japan.

Kumamura brings to the firm over 10 years of online marketing experience in Japan. He joins Burson-Marsteller from Microsoft Japan, where he was online marketing manager and social media lead, leading the firm’s online corporate marketing activities and developing the policies, guidelines and strategies of all social media-related activities of Microsoft Japan.

Prior to joining Microsoft in August 2006, Kumamura held online marketing roles at a number of companies including Coleman Japan and RealNetworks.

In his new role Kumamura will head Burson-Marsteller's digital team in Japan, designing digital and social media programmes for clients, building new business and enhancing existing resources and capabilities.
“Burson-Marsteller Japan is witnessing significant client interest and demand for integrated and stand-alone digital and social media campaigns. Gosuke’s appointment enables Burson-Marsteller to meet these demands and play a leading role in shaping Japan’s fast changing communications marketplace,” said Bob Pickard, president and CEO of Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific.

"Gosuke’s wealth of experience extends our capabilities in online marketing, social media and corporate reputation management in Japan as well as more broadly across Asia-Pacific,” he added.

“Not only in Japan but worldwide, we are entering a period of upheaval in communications, driven largely by digital and social media. Increasingly, communications must be designed with digital and social media integrated from the outset,” said Gosuke Kumamura.

“I’m very excited about leading Burson-Marsteller’s digital team in Japan, and ensuring that the firm is at the forefront of changes in the industry.”

Kumamura will report to Shuri Fukunaga, managing director of Burson-Marsteller Japan, and to Charlie Pownall, lead digital strategist for Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific.

About Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific
Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific is the leading consultancy for organizations communicating in Asia-Pacific and internationally. With a presence in the region dating back to 1973, Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific today includes 31 offices and affiliates in 16 countries integrated seamlessly into a global network operating in 98 countries. Our Evidence-Based approach to communications provides our clients with effective, data-driven programs delivered through multiple channels and focused on tangible, measurable results. Our team of more than 600 professionals offers a powerful combination of local knowledge, sector expertise and global communications reach.

Burson-Marsteller, established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), the world's leading communications services network.