Edelman has named Campbell Hanley CEO and representative director of its Japan operations, replacing Meghan Barstow, who will depart the global communications agency on December 31 after two decades with the firm.Hanley joins Edelman from Omnicom Public Relations, where he most recently served as Head of Client Experience and Growth for Asia Pacific. His appointment reflects Edelman's ambition to expand its integrated communications capabilities in Japan, a market the agency considers strategically important.With more than 20 years of experience in Japan, Hanley has worked across public relations, journalism, digital media and agency management.He previously served as Managing Director of Weber Shandwick Japan, where he played a key role in broadening the agency's service portfolio beyond conventional PR. His work included developing capabilities in digital, creative, influencer marketing, content and integrated communications.Earlier, Hanley spent nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor at The Mainichi, followed by leadership roles at digital and media agencies in Japan.Rakesh Thukral, Edelman's Asia Pacific CEO, said Japan represents a significant growth opportunity for the agency, given the increasing need for Japanese and international businesses to navigate a changing communications and commercial landscape.He added that Hanley's understanding of the Japanese market, combined with his experience spanning media, digital and creative communications, would help strengthen the agency's client relationships and support its next phase of growth.Barstow has headed Edelman Japan since 2020. She joined the company in Japan in 2006 before moving to its Washington, DC office, where she spent more than a decade working across healthcare communications, helping establish the employee experience practice and overseeing major client accounts.She subsequently returned to Japan to lead the local business while also contributing to the expansion of Edelman's workforce advisory capabilities across Asia Pacific.Thukral credited Barstow with making a significant contribution to the agency, highlighting her leadership and impact on its employees, clients and wider regional operations.Hanley will work with Barstow during the transition to ensure continuity for clients and employees.Commenting on his appointment, Hanley said Japan's corporate sector presents substantial opportunities for Edelman, particularly as businesses seek to strengthen their domestic and international presence.He said the agency would draw on its expertise in trust, integrated communications and stakeholder engagement to help organisations navigate transformation, drive growth and build stronger relationships with key audiences.Hanley also acknowledged the foundation established by Barstow and the Japan team, expressing his intention to build on their work as he takes charge of the business.