Happy 25th anniversary to B-M China!

August 31st, 2010 / 5:00 am

On August 31^st1985, China Global Public Relations opened its doors for business in Beijing. This event marked the entry of Burson-Marsteller into the Greater China market through its joint venture with Xinhua News Agency. This predecessor entity lasted eight years, after which Burson-Marsteller opened offices under the B-M brand in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Harold Burson once commented that his visit to China in 1986 was among his most memorable, but in those days it must have been difficult to foresee just how far and how fast Burson-Marsteller’s relationship with China would progress. Today, as B-M China celebrates its 25^th anniversary, we can look back on a quarter century of achievement during which time our China business has expanded to four offices with more than 150 professionals serving the growing needs of an expanding community of clients (foreign multinationals communicating with China, and Chinese multinationals communicating around the world).

It’s an understatement to say that the Chinese market is an important one for Burson-Marsteller both in Asia-Pacific and globally. Yes, it is important on account of the sheer size of its domestic market and strategic value to our clients. But its significance transcends the financial quantity of imported PR investment from overseas. When I think of B-M in China, I think in terms of the rising quality imperative, with excellent prospects for the expanding export of Chinese ideas, talent and client commerce to the rest of the world.

Under the leadership of Cindy Tian and her rising team, Burson-Marsteller China has continued to set the standard as a premier strategic communications consultancy. Our China business has client relationships stretching back for years with some of the firm’s flagship global clients. We have done groundbreaking client work in the digital, technology, industrial, brand marketing and corporate spaces and are now rapidly growing our business in the energy sector, among others. When I first visited B-M China earlier this year, I was immediately impressed by the sense of enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to client service that characterize our offices around the country.

As Burson-Marsteller China celebrates its landmark history today, our Global CEO Mark Penn could not be stronger in his staunch support of building a successful China business for the future, so please join us in congratulating B-M China on 25 great years of business achievement, with best wishes for many years of continued prosperity to come.