Darrell Wright leads APAC arm of communications consultancy Cognito

Financial communications consultancy Cognito has appointed Darrell Wright as its Regional Managing Director for Asia Pacific. The experienced banker and communications expert, who replaces Tim Williamson, has been tasked with driving the firm’s expansion in Asia, mirroring the growth trajectory Cognito has in recent years realised across Europe, the UK and North America.

Darrell Wright brings with him more than 15 years of experience in communications, including a decade spent in-house in Asia at financial institutions J.P. Morgan, Barclays and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Prior to joining Cognito, Wright was the managing director of Bell Pottinger in Malaysia, leaving just months after the Malaysian agency rebranded as Klareco following the collapse of the scandal-hit UK office of Bell Pottinger. After being accused of conducting a racially divisive campaign on behalf of a client in South Africa, the London branch of Bell Pottinger went into administration earlier this year. 

Wright has extensive experience in public relations in Asia and extensive knowledge of doing business in the region, where he has lived and worked for 30 years. During that time, he has spent extended periods in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

“We are looking forward to beginning a new phase of growth for Cognito in Asia Pacific under Darrell's leadership,” said Cognito’s CEO Tom Coombes. “His knowledge and experience are a fantastic fit for our business, our clients and our geographic footprint. In the last five years, we have established a critical mass in Asia, with local and international clients across asset management, banking, and professional services. We are confident that he will be able to drive Cognito's business to new heights.” 

Based in Singapore, Wright has been tasked with “aggressively adding more clients” from financial institutions, technology, and professional services, said Coombes, as well as leading the firm’s plans to expand the business into new markets across Asia Pacific. He will be supported by the current management team for Asia that includes Prisita Menon, Charlie Morrow and Lincoln Mah.

His predecessor, Tim Williamson, led Cognito for four years and has transitioned to the role of managing director of financial services at Singapore-based corporate affairs consultancy WATATAWA, which was recently acquired by global player WE Communication. “Tim has done an excellent job for Cognito and we wish him well and thank him for his hard work during his time at the firm,” concluded Coombes.

Cognito is a financial communications consulting firm for the finance and technology sectors. The agency has offices in New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Amsterdam.