Communispace Opens in China through Local Partnership

US-based online research community builder Communispace has opened an office in Shanghai, through a partnership with Chinese lifestyle research agency Jigsaw International.

Communispace was acquired last year by marcoms giant Omnicom in a deal reported to have been worth $100m. The firm launched its first 'fully localized' Chinese community in September 2011, and now recruits and runs its Chinese communities in Mandarin, local simplified Chinese and English.

The new venture is led by George Kao, Director, China Operations and Evelyn Tan, Director, Client Services. Prior to joining the firm more than five years ago, Kao served as Product Marketing Manager at event data management firm nTag Interactive, while Tan joins Communispace after holding senior roles at Synovate, Leo Burnett and Publicis.

Communispace CEO Diane Hessan comments on the expansion to China: 'Our years of international experience in managing continuous conversations with consumers will be integral in carefully gleaning local insights for our global clients. In addition, we are thrilled to be partnering with Jigsaw to build an exciting business that helps our clients thrive in an ever-changing world.'

Jigsaw, which was founded by former Nielsen exec Kim Beck, previously operated as part of the Hall & Partners network, and is now an independent company in which Omnicom holds a minority stake.

Web sites: www.communispace.com and www.jigsaw-i.com .