Hoffman Expands Global Presence in Economic Hot Spots.

Business Editors

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2002

High-tech public relations firm The Hoffman Agency (www.hoffman.com) today announced the official opening of an office in Munich, Germany. Consistent with its ongoing growth strategy around high-tech centers of gravity, the Silicon Valley-based company has also expanded its senior management lineup to include Steffi Schlemm as general manager of Hoffman Germany and Shingo Nomura as general manager of Hoffman Japan (www.hoffmanasia.com).

As major economic and technological hubs, Germany and Japan are attractive markets for new business opportunities, according to Lou Hoffman, president of The Hoffman Agency. A recent Merrill Lynch study of worldwide gross domestic product shows Japan and Germany in the top three behind the United States, with $4.7 trillion and $2 trillion, respectively.

According to an O'Dwyer's survey of independent PR firms, The Hoffman Agency grew 15.4 percent last year, making it one of only a few high-tech agencies to report double digit increases during a steep economic decline in the United States.

"Our international work really drove the momentum in 2001," said Hoffman. "Since embarking on our global mission back in 1996, the pieces have finally come together. Asia Pacific and now Europe are coming on strong, making up almost a quarter of our business."

Gladys Elia, vice president, Hoffman Europe, considers expansion to the German market an important part of Hoffman's long-term strategy. "Our presence in both London and Munich gives us an important base in Europe. Steffi is a PR executive who will lead our German office with know-how and expertise. More than that, she will bring the special company culture of The Hoffman Agency to Germany." Steffi Schlemm comes to Hoffman from European IT PR company AxiCom where she provided strategic PR council for clients in the software, hardware, networking, semiconductor and the electronic design automation (EDA) industries.

According to Michelle Herman, managing director of Hoffman Asia Pacific, Shingo Nomura's appointment in Tokyo will help Hoffman build out its Japan operations in order to meet the needs of an expanding portfolio of top technology companies, including Amazon.com, CommWorks and Google. Prior to his appointment at Hoffman, Nomura worked for PRAP for four years. He also spent five years with Weber Shandwick where he supported client teams in the IT and pharmaceutical industries.

"His deserved reputation as a top-notch strategist deepens our position as Japan's premier technology public relations consultancy," said Herman. "He gives us more depth to deliver great client results and recruit top-caliber IT PR professionals."

About The Hoffman Agency

Recently named PRWeek's "Mid-size PR Agency of the Year" and PRWeek Asia's "Asian Network of the Year," The Hoffman Agency helps high-tech and Internet companies communicate compelling messages across the globe. With 12 offices worldwide, the Agency has a strong presence in the world's major technology centers, including Silicon Valley, Asia Pacific and Europe. Current clients include Hewlett-Packard Company, Philips Semiconductors and Sony Electronics. For more information, visit www.hoffman.com.