STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 10 -- Pitney Bowes Inc. today announced the expansion of its Asia Pacific region's direct operations with the opening of an office in Seoul, Korea, a move that is in-line with the company's strategic focus on accelerated global growth. Deepak Chopra, president, Asia Pacific & Distributor Operations, Pitney Bowes, stated that Korean customers and Pitney Bowes shareholders will benefit from this move. "We believe that a direct presence will significantly enhance our ability to bring world-class mail and document management solutions to both the Korea Post as well as corporate customers." "Korea is a key Asian market. Enhancing our presence here will help expand our presence in the region," said Henri Ho, vice president, Asian Operations. "Customers in the mail services industry, key financial institutions, and other commercial customers will benefit from the higher level of service and attention that a direct operation can provide. With additional support from the Asia Pacific headquarters, the Korean operation is ready to deploy new solutions and services to Korean customers, ranging from traditional document messaging management to cutting-edge e-commerce messaging solutions," he added. Jeff Brennan, who most recently served as director of sales, Pitney Bowes Global Mailing Systems, Asia will head the newly formed office as General Manager. Mr. Brennan is a veteran of the Postal Industry who has been with Pitney Bowes for more than four years. The Pitney Bowes Korea office will manage its own sales, customer service and support operations, solutions consulting services, logistics, customized mail finishing and document management products. In addition to enhancing the company's growth in the Korean market, the new operation will add needed infrastructure to complement regional support capabilities for the company's other Asian dealer operations to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction.