Boden Agency has been selected as the public relations agency of record for L'ATTITUDE, a major business event that showcases the economic impact of the US Latino community. L'ATTITUDE emphasizes "The New Mainstream Economy," underscoring the increasing economic influence of Latinos in the US. This partnership aims to inform and inspire business leaders about this trend. Established in 2018, L'ATTITUDE serves as a platform for launching initiatives, showcasing emerging talent, and fostering collaborations.

Beauty PR agency Ink & Roses has expanded its portfolio by adding two new accounts: Duette and Dermafirm. The agency will manage media relations and strategy for both brands. Duette, a recently launched luxury skin and sun care line, offers products designed to protect, prevent, renew, and restore the skin. Dermafirm, a global cosme.

M42, a leading tech-enabled healthcare company, has announced the appointment of Mazar Masud as the Senior Director of Global Corporate Communications. This strategic move comes as M42, formed from a 2023 merger between G42, a technology holding group, and Mubadala Investment Company, an Abu Dhabi-based global sovereign investor, aims to strengthen its global communications strategy.Masud, who previously served as the Managing Director of Edelman's UAE operations, brings a wealth of experience to his new role at M42. During his three-year tenure at Edelman, Masud oversaw a significant expansion, tripling the team's size and increasing revenues by 23% in 2023. He expressed enthusiasm for his new role, saying, "I've always relished creating communications strategies that align with business ambitions and goals."In his new position, Masud will focus on communicating the integration of AI and technology in healthcare, highlighting the transformative impact on traditional healthcare systems. "This is fascinating from a communications point of view and will require engagement and collaboration across markets and local and global stakeholders," he noted.Reflecting on his new opportunity, Masud added, "Change excites me. My new role will provide new learning opportunities and the scope to deeply focus on one business that is delivering a positive global impact. I’ve really bought into the vision at M42 and its potential to transform lives for the better. The stage is set for global expansion and impact, and I’m honoured to not only be a part of this story but also central to telling it to the world."The M42 group encompasses renowned healthcare institutions such as Diaverum, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, among others.Reflecting on his time at Edelman, Masud said, "After three wonderful years at Edelman Middle East, during which we trebled in size, I’m proud of what the team and I built together and how we partnered with clients on the most critical issues."Looking ahead, Masud shared his excitement about joining M42 Health: "Thanks to Bonny Lawrie, when I met Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, I was amazed by his vision for M42, disrupting the traditional healthcare sector by embedding AI and technology into health to achieve a positive global impact. This vision is transformational for humanity and will benefit millions if not billions across the globe. A week in, I see that vision becoming reality, with huge growth plans ahead and the need to tell this most powerful story. As head of global corporate communications, I’ll be taking our story to the world. Let’s get started!"

Laqshya Media Group, an independent marketing communications group, has officially been certified as one of the Happiest Places to Work in India. This prestigious accolade underscores Laqshya Media Group’s steadfast dedication to cultivating a positive and nurturing work environment for its employees.Achieving this certification involved a thorough evaluation of Laqshya Media Group’s workplace wellness, employee involvement, and overall happiness levels. The rigorous process, based on authentic employee feedback and satisfaction, included insights from over 250 employees across various divisions such as Laqshya Solutions, Laqshya Live Experiences, Laqshya Hyderabad Airport Media, Laqshya Assets, Inventech, Laqshya Public Relations, Laqshya Digitalabs, and Laqshya Event Capital.Reflecting on this achievement, Atul Shrivastava, CEO of Laqshya Media Group, remarked: “While we’ve always focussed on creating Laqshya as one of the most preferred places to work with a smile on the face of every teammate, this certification is a true reflection of our success in achieving our objective. From offering flexible work arrangements to promoting continuous learning and development, we strive to ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. We are happy to be recognised as one of the Happiest Places to Work® in India and remain dedicated to fostering a culture of well-being, positivity, and excellence. Our commitment to our employees' happiness and growth is unwavering, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”Namrata Tata, Managing Partner and Co-founder, Happiest Places to Work, added: “Laqshya Media Group has demonstrated exemplary dedication to creating a supportive and appreciative workplace. Their outstanding scores in Gratitude, Acknowledgement and Courage are a clear indicator of their commitment to fostering a culture of recognition and empowerment. We are delighted to certify Laqshya Media Group as one on the Happiest Places to Work® and look forward to seeing their continued success in promoting employee well-being"Based on the outcomes of the Happiness Dialogue, Laqshya Media Group plans to implement several key initiatives to improve the workplace environment further. These initiatives aim to leverage the company’s strengths and address areas for improvement, ensuring Laqshya Media Group remains a leader in employee satisfaction and well-being.Laqshya Media Group continues to strive for excellence in creating a supportive and dynamic work environment. This certification not only acknowledges the company’s current achievements but also sets a benchmark for future endeavours in enhancing employee involvement and workplace happiness.

Edelman, the global communications firm, has appointed Nidaa Lone as the new Head of its Abu Dhabi office, overseeing the agency’s regional headquarters. In her new role, Nidaa will lead and expand Edelman’s key mandates, offering strategic counsel and ensuring top-quality execution of communications programs. She will also spearhead operational initiatives and foster an inclusive and high-performing culture within the organization.Nidaa joins Edelman from Haleon, where she served as the Global Head of External Communications. Prior to Haleon, she spent a decade with a global communications consultancy as Managing Director in London, advising some of the world’s largest companies across various sectors, including financial services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, natural resources, and consumer industries.Expressing her enthusiasm for the new position, Nidaa said: “I’m thrilled to join Edelman, a communications powerhouse with a stellar client roster and a truly collaborative culture. I am honored to lead our team in Abu Dhabi, where the Emirate's ambitious growth agenda presents vast opportunities for impactful communications.”Edelman, the only international communications firm with its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Emirate since opening its first UAE office in 2008. The firm has established long-standing relationships with major clients in Abu Dhabi and has tripled the size of its team in the last three years.Commenting on Nidaa's appointment, Omar Qirem, CEO of Edelman Middle East, said: “I am delighted that Nidaa has decided to join the firm at such an exciting time of growth for the region. Her extensive experience in corporate positioning, global media engagement, and strategic communications will be invaluable to our teams and clients in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”Edelman is expected to announce further senior appointments in the near future.

Global Women in PR (GWPR) has unveiled its sixth Annual Index survey to gather insights from women working in PR and communications worldwide. The survey, available in five languages, explores topics such as flexible working, harassment, career progression, and barriers to leadership positions. GWPR co-founder Sue Hardwick emphasizes the importance of the survey in understanding the challenges women face in the industry and finding solutions to promote gender equality. The survey is open until August 31 and is supported by leading industry partners. Key areas of focus include:- Impact of flexible and hybrid working on women- Harassment in the workplace- Career progression and barriers to senior roles- Breakdown of women in senior roles across industry sectors- Effect of career breaks on career progressionBy participating in the survey, women in the industry can contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for growth, ultimately driving positive change.The Global Women in PR Annual Index has garnered support from a coalition of industry heavyweights, including Zeno, Havas Red, Opinium, ICCO, and Shout! Communications. This collective backing demonstrates a shared commitment to empowering women in the PR and communications sector and driving meaningful change.

FINN Partners, a leading global integrated marketing and communications agency, has announced that David Krejci, CEO and founder of Media Forensics and a 27-year PR veteran, will be joining the firm as Partner.David is a pioneer in managing social media disruption, introducing the industry’s first crisis simulation software in 2010. Krejci later helped introduce digital forensics into the media landscape as a strategy to address the insurgence of misinformation that had become part of the fabric of the Internet. In 2020, David launched his own consultancy, Media Forensics, to push this strategy further. His work has grown alongside the growth in disruption, and now addresses an ever-evolving set of challenges, including:  Mis/disinformation  Polarizing ideologies  Inauthentic accounts  Disruptive technologies  Conspiracy theories  Changes in journalism  Artificial Intelligence  Hostile and mobilized agitatorsAccording to a recent study from Resolver, corporate leaders are aware of these types of risks, but are less aware of their potential for reputational damage, and perhaps even less aware of how to address the problem. The survey of Fortune 500 corporate C-suite leaders found that 80% of survey respondents forecast greater digital risk for their organisations in 2024; 86% fear their brands will face multiple reputational risks; and 66% believe these risks will stem from misinformation.To address these realities, media forensics starts by gathering data from more than 50,000 sources online. Next, AI renders the data consumable for human analysis. Media forensics experts—skilled in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and fluent in the deeper web—scour that data to identify the methods and motives behind the individuals and groups that are relevant to a client’s business. Coupling this forensic analysis with an expert understanding of the immediate cultural landscape completes the investigation. Results and recommendations are delivered, arming clients with the information and tools needed to develop an informed strategy and playbook for crisis mitigation or creative campaigning.Media forensic work at FINN will fall into three offerings:Campaign Readiness: identifying potential blowback before a creative launch, thereby allowing the campaign to focus on resonant audiences rather than exhausting resources on dissonant individuals or groups; deliverables can include crisis simulation training and playbooks, channel strategy recommendations or alterations to the creative if neededCrisis Mitigation: forensic analysis of key players in a crisis, including the method and motive behind their actions, to better anticipate and mitigate crises; deliverables can include risk intelligence reports, forensic monitoring and crisis messaging guidanceForensic Monitoring: augmenting traditional social listening dashboards by forensically investigating method, motive and role of groups and individuals relevant to the brand; deliverables can include daily, weekly and monthly reports, crisis reporting and strategy, and risk intelligence counsel“The traditional methods of managing the current disruptions in our media ecosystem were largely built to handle a far different time,” said Krejci, “a time before intractable conspiracies and divisions; before algorithms, bots, gen-AI, and deepfakes; before TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, Telegram, MeWe, 4chan, 8kun. Misinformation and disruptive technologies have existed for centuries, but the dissemination of misinformation today is so complex, broad and voluminous that traditional methods to manage it are grossly out-muscled. A media forensics strategy is what we believe our clients need and deserve to combat this ever-changing and volatile environment.”Krejci will help provide media forensics services, consulting and preparedness to FINN Partners clients to help address mis/disinformation, crisis mitigation, and campaign readiness in 2024.

The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) hosted the third edition of its flagship thought-leadership forum, PRologue 2024 on July 25 in Gurgaon. At this event, PRCAI presented initial findings of SPRINT 2024*, its annual industry survey in collaboration with IPSOS, which estimates a growth of 19.6 percent in FY 2022-2023 for the industry. PRCAI presented and deliberated on an optimistic projection for the Indian PR industry, reaching 2,500 Cr. from 2,100 Crore in FY 2021-2022. The event saw panelists engage in dynamic discussions on the theme ‘Reimagining Communications in a Turbulent World.’ With changing demographics in India, influence of technology and AI, economic trajectory, the PR industry is experiencing changes at a fast rate, from skills required in the industry, to greater attention to PR by C-Suite, to innovation in audience outreach, to shaping narratives, to services and specializations offered to be ready for the future of communications. These themes were explored at the recent PRologue 2024, which was attended by 300 communication and business professionals.India is home to the largest Gen Z population, earning trust from this dynamic group is vital for brand success. Diving into the evolving behaviour of new-age consumers, PRCAI guest speakers included Sushant Dash, CEO, Tata Starbucks, Anushka Rathod, Content Creator, and Ashutosh Munshi, Lead Advisor, Brand Marketing & Communications, Edelman India, who talked about how to ‘Crack the Gen Z Code’ at the event. Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks, said, "Gen Z’s unique expectations and strong opinions, shaped by their digital nativity, challenge brands to innovate. At Starbucks India, we engage with this dynamic group daily, finding their perspectives both refreshing and inspiring. Their insights drive us to continually adapt and improve our communication approach." Emphasizing trust and engagement, the panel underscored public relations' crucial role in navigating rapid technological advancements and widespread misinformation. The second panel with guest line-up including, Atul Rai, CEO & co-founder, Staqu Technologies, Nikhil Pahwa, founder and editor, Medianama, Yatik, Naik, business head at HT Media Group, and Nandagopal Rajan, COO, The Indian Express, discussed strategies to ‘Navigate The AI Tightrope,’ balancing the dilemma of innovation versus misinformation. The most awaited industry event is a combination of trend discussions at PRologue 2024, followed by the global SABRE South Asia Awards, that celebrated the most creative and interesting work in the field of Public Relations. More than 50 awards were given to compelling campaigns. Vineeta Singh, CEO & co-founder of SUGAR Cosmetics was awarded the top honour of CEO Of The Year at the SABRE South Asia 2024 Awards.Vineeta Singh, CEO & Co-Founder of SUGAR Cosmetics said, "I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Best CEO of the Year at SABRE South Asia 2024 Awards hosted by PRCAI. I dedicate this award to my mother and SUGAR's workforce, especially 3000+ women employees, beauty enthusiasts, and stakeholders at large. This award recognition underscores our focus to redefine the Indian beauty landscape whilst saluting the indomitable spirit of women who embrace their most authentic selves." Kunal Kishore, Vice President of PRCAI, said, “PRologue and SABRE SA have become the industries’ most awaited moments of learning and recognition. Our goal is to focus on authentic conversation and reimagine every year our ever-changing environment that can constantly up the game for the industry.”‘This year at PRologue 2024, PRCAI partnered with the Guinness World Records (GWR) and created a new record for the most signatures collected on a t-shirt in 60 minutes. It called upon the attendees and industry professionals to pledge to the power of "Educate, Elevate, Empower" and for each one of them to commit an hour this year to upskill the next generation of talent in the industry. Deeptie Sethi, CEO of PRCAI, remarked, "The industry is witnessing a healthy growth and PRCAI is committed to help the industry strive for excellence with platforms to upskill, standardizing guidelines to build a world-class workforce and stronger industry practices for both today and tomorrow. We are excited about the first-ever Guinness World Record for PRCAI, that symbolizes our commitment to encourage each member of ours as an integrated part to cultivate a more skilled and innovative workforce for the future."To elevate the industry standards and cultivate a more professional and collaborative environment for collective success, PRCAI has a new client-consultancy partnership charter and code of conduct guidelines, which will be announced soon to build an even stronger ethical, professional, and progressive PR industry.

 Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, has acquired Tel Aviv-based LEADERS, a world-class digital agency specializing in influencer marketing and social commerce and the development of InfluencerMarketing.AI (IMAI), a global influencer marketing SaaS platform. The company joins Stagwell Marketing Cloud's PRophet Comms Tech Suite of AI-powered offerings purpose-built for modern PR and marketing professionals.Founded by Eran Nizri and Yehonatan Arami in 2017, LEADERS and IMAI combine high-value digital and influencer marketing strategy with a cutting-edge, AI-powered SaaS influencer marketing platform. IMAI leverages advanced AI technologies to connect brands with over 300 million creators worldwide. The platform allows users from anywhere in the world to launch campaigns in just a few clicks, offering robust analytics, sales prediction models, and campaign management tools. Clients include Nespresso, Samsung, and Colgate-Palmolive; notable SaaS clients include Coca-Cola, Playtika, Estée Lauder, and Superdry. IMAI will supplement the bench of influencer marketing platforms currently in use by Stagwell's agencies around the world, including existing tools in the PRophet Comms Tech Suite."We are excited to welcome LEADERS to the Stagwell family. This acquisition strengthens our Stagwell Marketing Cloud offering with cutting-edge AI solutions for influencer marketing while marking our first agency in Israel amid a substantial global expansion push from Stagwell this year," said Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO, Stagwell. "Eran and his team share our vision of transforming marketing with technology, and we look forward to working together to deliver value to our clients across the globe.""Combining with Eran and the LEADERS team is a force multiplier for PRophet and Stagwell to expand global reach, integrate advanced AI technologies and leverage domain expertise around high performance digital and influencer marketing strategy for customers," said Aaron Kwittken, Founder and CEO of SMC's Comms Tech Suite."This acquisition marks a transformative milestone for LEADERS and InfluencerMarketing.AI," added Nizri. "With Stagwell's extensive network and resources, we are set to redefine the landscape of influencer marketing. Our goal is to become the world's leading influencer and digital marketing powerhouse, delivering unparalleled value and innovation to our clients. We look forward to integrating our capabilities into Stagwell's Comms Tech Unit and leading the industry into a new era of excellence."LEADERS' and IMAI's success is driven by a strong leadership team. Eran Nizri will continue to serve as Group CEO, reporting into Aaron Kwittken, Founder and CEO of Stagwell Marketing Cloud's PRophet Comms Tech Suite. Itamar Gonsherovitz will continue to spearhead LEADERS' digital agency operations as CEO. Yehonatan Arami, will continue to lead business development, expanding the company's reach within the Stagwell network.The acquisition comes as Stagwell expands its global footprint and invests further in AI-enabled solutions at the forefront of digital marketing. LEADERS is Stagwell's seventh acquisition of 2024, following Team Epiphany (U.S.), Sidekick (U.K.), What's Next Partners (France), PROS (Brazil), Business Traveller (Global), and BERA (U.S.).

Integrated marketing and communications agency Bastion has appointed Cheuk Chiang as CEO for Australia and New Zealand. He will drive business expansion and oversee operations and P&L responsibilities across Bastion’s ANZ business.Cheuk brings a wealth of experience in innovation and leadership across creative, media, data, and technology. His previous roles include CEO - Asia Pacific for Dentsu Creative, CEO - Greater North APAC for Dentsu, Chairman at AI start-up Mutiny, CEO - APAC at Omnicom Media Group, CEO - APAC for PHD, and MD at Cummins&Partners.Bastion Group CEO Jack Watts sees this appointment as a significant milestone for the agency: "Having been in business for almost 15 years, it's a thrill to bring in someone of Cheuk’s calibre to lead our ANZ operations. This move reflects the quality of our team, the trust our clients place in us, and our fearless approach to building this agency. With over 300 people across seven offices in ANZ, it’s critical to have a leader dedicated to solving our clients' biggest challenges daily."We operate at the intersection of our clients and growth, a brilliant industry position to be in. Cheuk’s passion for this industry and our transformative role in the world stood out during the extensive selection process. We grow businesses, and every CEO or CMO values that."Cheuk expressed his enthusiasm: "After meeting Bastion’s key leaders, talent, and clients, I was highly impressed with the agency's capabilities. In a challenging market, clients need help not only to compete but to gain a competitive edge. Few agencies offer the integrated capabilities that Bastion does. Leveraging Bastion’s comprehensive 'one stop shop' approach to strengthen clients' positions and deliver industry-leading innovation is truly exciting."

Uproar PR, the Annapolis, Maryland-based award-winning PR agency providing media relations, thought leadership, digital and influencer services, has been chosen as the agency of record for fintech startup, Worth, an Orlando-based, AI-powered credit underwriting and risk management platform for small and medium-sized businesses and financial institutions.The startup was recently launched by former Stax Payments co-founders and seasoned entrepreneurs, Suneera Madhani and Sal Rehmetullah, to improve how growing businesses secure financing.Uproar has worked with the sibling founders since 2014, when Madhani initially approached the agency with payments platform, Fattmerchant, before it became the well-known unicorn startup, Stax. Throughout the partnership, Uproar leveraged its media relations expertise and relationships with national media, alongside targeted thought leadership, to spread brand awareness and swiftly position the company as the leading payments merchant nationwide.Through a strategic PR and thought leadership campaign, Uproar secured Fattmerchant a spot on the Forbes Fintech 50 list and worked with U.S. News & World Report to name Fattmerchant the Best Credit Card Processor and Best for Higher-Volume Businesses. On the thought leadership side, Madhani is now a household name and trailblazing female CEO. Uproar utilized her founding story and business acumen to land her feature stories in Inc., CNBC and Forbes, in addition to securing her opportunities to write for Fortune and Entrepreneur. The team’s work also had her named the “Most Influential Woman in Payments” by ISO & Agent.“We couldn't be more excited to be working with Suneera and Sal again on this new exciting launch,” said Mike Harris, CMO of Uproar PR. “Worth is going to change the way.”After scaling Stax to unicorn status, Madhani and Rehmetullah set out to develop a technology that could provide standardized business credit scores after seeing how aspiring entrepreneurs struggled to secure loans based on their personal credit scores. This business credit score, referred to as a ‘WorthScore,’ is backed by thousands of data points gathered in real-time to provide lenders with a more accurate and holistic view into the financial health of the business, significantly mitigating risk and human bias. The patent-pending platform is already backed by an eight-figure pre-seed fundraising round, including some of Stax's original investors in Orlando, and is poised to fundamentally alter the financial credit system.“I had the pleasure of working with Uproar personally for years, and when it came time to launch my second company, choosing Mike and his team was a no-brainer. Their understanding of our vision and dedication to our success make them the perfect collaborative partner,” said Madhani, co-founder and CEO of Worth.

The Independent, a British newspaper, has appointed W Communications to handle its global media industry and consumer PR activity in the US and UK through the agency's NYLON offering. This combined expertise of W's US and UK teams will enhance The Independent's brand profile in the US advertising market and establish its US-based journalists as leading independent commentators with a unique global perspective.In the UK, W will amplify The Independent's core brand and Independent Media's brand, which was launched in May. Independent Media brings together The Independent, BuzzFeed UK, HuffPost, indy100, Tasty UK, and Seasoned to form Britain's largest publisher network for Gen Z and millennials."The Independent's growth and outstanding success over the last decade has been unprecedented, and no agency knows our story better than W," said Christian Broughton, Independent chief executive and former editor-in-chief.

The Sway Effect, a New York-based PR and branding agency, is launching a new division called Sway Forward, dedicated to developing long-term brand strategies that drive sustainable growth and success. Led by industry veteran Mitch Markson as Chief Creative Officer, Sway Forward aims to help clients break free from short-term thinking and focus on building resilient brands with a clear vision for the future.Markson, who brings nearly three decades of experience from top agencies like Ogilvy and Edelman, will leverage his expertise to encourage clients to think forward and prioritize long-range strategizing. Through proprietary tools and workshops, Sway Forward will empower brands to adopt a more futuristic approach, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in an ever-changing market.The launch of Sway Forward coincides with The Sway Effect's five-year anniversary and marks a significant expansion of the agency's capabilities. By addressing the common pitfall of short-term thinking, Sway Forward is poised to make a meaningful impact on the industry and help clients achieve lasting success.Jennifer Risi, Founder-CEO of The Sway Effect, notes: "Most brands are rooted in the next few months, but true longevity depends on thinking 18, 24, 36 months ahead."

Zendesk, a San Francisco-based SaS customer service products company, has selected Axicom as its global PR agency of record, consolidating its public relations business with the firm. Axicom has been handling Zendesk's US business for over a year and will now expand its services to the UK, France, Germany, and Australia. Previously, Zendesk worked with agencies like Hotwire and Edelman in Europe.Axicom's new role involves elevating Zendesk's position as a market leader in customer experience globally. The agency will focus on corporate, product communications, and customer storytelling, with an emphasis on Zendesk AI.This announcement coincides with the appointment of Sarah Gavin as Zendesk's new chief communications officer. Gavin brings over 20 years of strategic communications experience to the role, having previously led Google Cloud storytelling and served as senior VP of global communications and corporate brand lead at Expedia."I am thrilled to be joining Zendesk as their chief communications officer at this important moment in our journey. Zendesk has long been recognized as a leader in customer experience technology, and we are uniquely positioned to shape the future of the industry with our groundbreaking approach to AI. I look forward to working with the talented team both here at Zendesk and with Axicom to tell our story on a global scale," Gavin said.

The Public Relations and Communications Association Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA) has announced the appointment of Imad Lahad, Managing Director at APCO Worldwide, as the new Vice Chair of its Board.Imad Lahad, who has been with APCO Worldwide since 2013, leads the Dubai office and heads the AI Comms Lab. He is known for his innovative approach to digital strategy and AI communications and has played a crucial role in developing APCO’s global Digital Practice. Lahad is recognized for his ability to harness emerging technologies to enhance brand strategies and protect client reputations. He has been a dedicated member of the PRCA MENA board for two years and will additionally lead the AI in PR Committee for PRCA MENA.Commenting on his appointment, Imad Lahad said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the PRCA MENA Board, at such an exciting and challenging time for our industry. The rapid onset and adoption of artificial intelligence and adaptive technologies is changing the communications landscape at lightning speed. With the dawn of the Intelligence Revolution, and the proliferation of technologies at our fingertips enabling anyone to write, post and send anything to anyone in the world, the need for clear and responsible communication has never been more important. In this context, I’m looking forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals on the Board to foster innovation and set new standards for the region’s communications industry.”James Hewes, CEO of PRCA, said: “Imad’s expertise and leadership in the communications field are well-recognized globally. His role as Vice Chair will significantly strengthen our efforts to advance PR and embrace technological advancements in the region.”Ahmad Itani, Chairman of the PRCA MENA Board and CEO of Cicero & Bernay Communications Consultancy, added: “Imad’s innovative approach and vast experience in digital communications make him an invaluable addition to the board. His vision will help propel PRCA MENA to new heights.”

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has announced a leadership change, appointing Jennifer Temple as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO). Effective August 1, Temple will assume responsibility for both marketing and communications, expanding her role from her previous position as Chief Communications Officer.With a career spanning over three decades, Temple brings extensive experience in brand building and strategic communications to her new role. Prior to joining HPE in 2018, she held leadership positions at prominent organisations including Wells Fargo, Hill & Knowlton, and The Irvine Company.Temple succeeds Jim Jackson, who is retiring after a 26-year tenure at HPE, including six years as Chief Marketing Officer. Under Temple's leadership, HPE aims to streamline its operations and enhance its market position through a unified approach to marketing and communications.HPE President and CEO Antonio Neri expressed confidence in Temple's ability to drive the company's strategic direction and deliver exceptional results."HPE has innovated and inspired the world for more than 80 years, and our brand strength is essential to our future ability to transform enterprises and entire industries. Jennifer was one of my first hires as CEO and is a trusted partner. She is a creative, purpose-driven executive who engages thoughtfully with stakeholders, develops high-performing teams, and delivers results. She has strengthened our corporate culture, distinguished us in the marketplace, and demonstrated our societal impact. I am excited to see her guide all facets of our marketing strategy so that we capitalize on the incredible moment we have ahead of us. Neri also thanked Jackson for his contributions to HPE. "Jim has been a fantastic CMO and has built a world-class marketing function,” Neri said.  (Image credit: hpe.com)

PrettyGreen has been appointed as the global PR and partnerships agency for The Famous Grouse, a renowned Scottish whisky brand owned by Edrington Group.This marks a significant milestone for both brands as it is the first time The Famous Grouse has engaged a global agency to spearhead its PR and partnerships efforts.The Famous Grouse, Scotland's leading whisky for over four decades, boasts impressive sales figures of 43 million bottles annually across 94 markets. PrettyGreen will now be responsible for crafting and executing global brand campaigns and partnerships that align with the brand's 'Full of Character' integrated campaign.With a focus on a "culture-first" approach, PrettyGreen will showcase The Famous Grouse's diverse whisky offerings, including its flagship Finest malt blend and the popular Smoky Black and Sherry Cask Finish variants.The agency will collaborate with The Famous Grouse's existing local PR agencies, such as Hope&Glory in the UK, to ensure a cohesive and impactful global brand strategy.Joakim Leijon, Global Brand Director, The Famous Grouse, said: “The vision of our founder was to create the ‘best quality blend to be shared and savoured around the world’ so the idea that The Famous Grouse is a sociable brand has existed for a long time. We’re excited to embark on a new global brand partnership with PrettyGreen and see our new ‘Full of Character’ platform roll out further to recruit the next generation of The Famous Grouse drinkers.”PrettyGreen group director and chief growth officer Lucy Mart added: “We are so excited to work with the team at The Famous Grouse and grow their global presence. The whole team loves the brand and we can’t wait to contribute our communications and partnerships expertise to such an iconic story.”

Sam's Club, a leading membership-only warehouse club owned by Walmart, has selected MMC as its consumer public relations agency of record. In this role, MMC will spearhead all consumer-focused PR initiatives for the brand, including its Member's Mark private label and its extensive product offerings both in-store and online.The appointment marks a strategic shift for Sam's Club, which previously handled consumer PR in-house. MMC's deep expertise in consumer marketing and its proven track record in the retail industry will be instrumental in elevating Sam's Club's brand image and driving consumer engagement.Hotwire, which was brought on board in December 2023 to manage corporate media relations and executive thought leadership, will continue to support Sam's Club in these areas.This agency consolidation reflects Sam's Club's commitment to streamlining its communications strategy and maximizing its impact."MMC's human-centric approach to communication aligns perfectly with our goals. We are confident that their creative thinking will help us showcase the quality, value, and convenience that Sam's Club brings to communities nationwide, alongside our Member’s Mark brand," said Amy Sarosiek, VP of corporate communications, Sam's Club.  (Image credit: corporate.walmart.com)

RedTorch Communications, a leading PR agency in the Philippines, has promoted Stephney Marielle Jacobe to Brand PR Director. In her new role, Jacobe will be instrumental in shaping the agency's PR strategies, overseeing crisis management, and fostering strong relationships with media and industry stakeholders.Jacobe brings a wealth of experience to the position, having successfully managed PR campaigns for renowned brands such as Dove, Pond's, and Cream Silk. Her deep understanding of the industry and her proven ability to deliver results have been instrumental in the agency's growth.In her new role, Jacobe will be responsible for developing innovative PR campaigns that resonate with target audiences, leveraging data-driven insights to measure campaign effectiveness, and leading a team of PR professionals to achieve the agency's goals.

AYANA Hospitality, a leading luxury hospitality brand in Bali, has strengthened its team with the appointment of Lynne Lessard as Director of Public Relations. In this role, Lessard will spearhead the PR strategy for the company's five hotels and extensive portfolio of restaurants and bars, overseeing media relations, social media, influencer partnerships, and digital platforms.With a wealth of experience in the digital marketing sphere, Lessard joins AYANA Hospitality from the World Organization of the Scout Movement, where she held the position of Digital Marketing Manager based in Kuala Lumpur. Her expertise in crafting compelling narratives and leveraging digital channels is expected to significantly enhance AYANA Hospitality's brand visibility and reputation.AYANA Hospitality, renowned for its exceptional guest experiences and stunning properties, has consistently been at the forefront of Bali's luxury tourism industry. The appointment of Lynne Lessard underscores the company's commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and maintaining a strong presence in the global market.

From CrowdStrike’s update snafu to Disney’s Nullbulge nightmare, recent headlines underline a critical truth: technical glitches and cyber attacks can erupt in a PR inferno. But fear not, fellow communicators! In this feature report, Adgully delves into the art of crisis communication, equipping you with the strategies and tactics to navigate even the stormiest PR waters. Learn how to build trust, mitigate damage, and emerge stronger from the other side.What are the key takeaways from both the incidents?Thorough testing and validation processes are crucial before deploying software updates, especially in critical systems like cybersecurity, says Bhaskar Majumdar, Co-originator, CommsAdda. “Robust cybersecurity measures and continuous monitoring are essential to detect and mitigate breaches promptly, ensuring customer data protection. Effective communication strategies during such crises are vital to maintaining trust and transparency with stakeholders,” he says.Reflecting on the incidents involving CrowdStrike’s software update glitch and Disney’s data breach by Nullbulge, several pivotal lessons in crisis management emerge, says Priya Sharma, Co-Founder, PRZSM Communications. Firstly, she adds, these events underscore the necessity of robust crisis management plans.“Preparation enabled both companies to swiftly mitigate the impact. Secondly, the importance of transparent communication cannot be overstated. The timely updates from CrowdStrike and Disney played a crucial role in maintaining trust and controlling the narrative. Additionally, rapid response efforts were vital; CrowdStrike’s swift identification and rectification of the glitch, and Disney’s immediate actions to secure compromised data, were key in managing these crises. Lastly, these incidents remind us of the importance of learning from experiences. By conducting post-crisis analyses, organisations can identify vulnerabilities and refine their strategies, ensuring they are better equipped for future challenges,” Sharma explains.Effective crisis management in the digital age requires a combination of preparedness, rapid response, clear communication, and sensitivity towards affected parties, says Deepak Jolly, Founder and Director, Consocia Advisory.“Learning from incidents like CrowdStrike’s software glitch and Disney’s data breach helps companies enhance their crisis management strategies. This involves having detailed pre-crisis management strategies, including robust training and simulations drills, crisis communication plan, balancing transparency with sensitivity, and continuously improving policies and procedures. By adopting these best practices, companies can better navigate crises and maintain trust with their stakeholders,” Jolly adds.Deepak Jolly takes a look at what both companies did to resolve the crisis.CrowdStrike’s Software Update GlitchIncident Summary:What Happened: CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm, released a software update that caused system disruptions for their clients. Microsoft, which is helping customers recover, said in a blog post they estimate that CrowdStrike’s update affected 8.5 million Windows devices.Nature of the Issue: The update led to unexpected system behaviour, affecting clients’ operations severely.The Impact:Reputation Loss: CrowdStrike’s reputation as a reliable cybersecurity provider was tarnished. Clients trust cybersecurity firms to prevent disruptions, not to cause them.Financial Loss: The glitch likely resulted in operational downtime for clients, leading to potential financial losses and compensation claims.Client Trust: Trust is crucial in cybersecurity. The incident eroded client confidence and could deter potential clients.The Response:Immediate Communication: CrowdStrike quickly acknowledged the issue and provided frequent updates.Technical Resolution: They worked swiftly to roll back the problematic update and restore normal functionality.Client Support: Offers support to affected clients to minimize the disruption.Disney’s Data Breach by NullbulgeIncident Summary:What Happened: Disney experienced a data breach by the hacker group Nullbulge, compromising sensitive information. Nullbulge claimed responsibility for leaking over 1.2 terabytes of internal communications.Nature of the Breach: This breach allegedly includes sensitive information about upcoming projects, advertising campaigns, and even employee data.The Impact:Reputation Loss: Disney’s ability to protect customer data was questioned, undermining customer trust.Financial Loss: Financial repercussions included legal fees, fines, and compensation for affected clients, channel partners and other stakeholders, as well as costs to enhance security measures.Customer Trust: The breach could lead to a loss of customers, impacting brand loyalty and market position.The Response:Timely Disclosure: Disney promptly informed affected stakeholders and the public.Collaboration with the Authorities: Worked with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate and secure systems.CrowdStrike Falcon’s outage has significantly impacted businesses worldwide, says Ganapathy Viswanathan, independent communication consultant. Typically, he adds, technology crises are temporary and soon forgotten, but this incident has resulted in substantial losses for many companies. It exemplifies crisis management in the tech industry, he adds.“While some may mistakenly associate CrowdStrike Falcon with Microsoft, it is crucial to note that Microsoft’s reputation is also affected. CEO Satya Nadella has responded on social media, stating that they are providing technical guidance to restore the system. Transparency is essential now. Clearly stating the problem and providing a solution can prevent speculation and reassure the public. Setting up a dedicated helpline for technical support and monitoring online platforms to address queries promptly will also be beneficial,” Viswanathan adds.Best practicesWhat are the essential elements or best practices of an effective crisis management plan in the digital age?Priya Sharma is of the opinion that an effective crisis management plan in today’s digital age must be comprehensive and dynamic. She suggests that it is crucial to have a dedicated crisis communication team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This team, she adds, should utilize advanced monitoring tools to detect potential issues early, allowing for proactive measures.“Developing clear communication protocols ensures both internal and external messages are consistent and accurate. Engaging key stakeholders with regular updates and addressing their concerns promptly is essential. Preparing media statements in advance and designating spokespersons for press interactions help maintain a unified message. Regular crisis simulations and training sessions keep the team prepared and responsive. Post-crisis evaluations are equally important, as they allow organisations to identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring the crisis management plan evolves and improves continuously,” she says.In today’s digital age, says Bhaskar Majumdar, effective crisis management plans must encompass key elements and best practices.Preparation and Planning: For instance, CrowdStrike’s incident highlights the critical need for thorough testing and validation before rolling out updates to vital systems.Timely Response and Communication: An example is Disney’s swift and transparent handling of the Nullbulge data breach, demonstrating the importance of promptly informing and maintaining transparency with affected parties.Transparency and Accountability: Equifax’s data breach serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the severe consequences of delayed disclosureTransparency with sensitivityHow can companies balance transparency with sensitivity to affected parties during a data breach or technical crisis?According to Bhaskar Majumdar, companies can balance transparency with sensitivity to affected parties during a data breach or technical crisis by:Promptly disclosing the incident with clear and factual information.Acknowledging the impact on affected individuals or customers.Providing regular updates on the investigation and remediation efforts.Offering support and resources to those affected, such as identity protection services.Respecting privacy by not disclosing unnecessary details that could further compromise security or cause undue alarm.According to Deepak Jolly, essential elements of an effective crisis management plan in the digital age are:Pre-Crisis PreparationRisk Assessment: Regularly assess potential vulnerabilities and threats within the organization.Training and Simulations: Conduct regular drills and training for employees, including both technical response and communication strategies.Crisis Communication Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that includes:Designated Spokespersons: Identify key personnel to communicate with the public and media.Communication Channels: Establish primary and backup channels (e.g., social media, press releases, customer emails).Messaging Framework: Create templates and guidelines for consistent messaging.Incident ResponseImmediate Action: Quickly contain and mitigate the issue to prevent further damage.Internal Coordination: Ensure seamless communication among internal teams (IT, legal, PR, customer support) for a unified response.External Communication:Timely Updates: Provide frequent, transparent updates to stakeholders.Clear Language: Use plain language to communicate with non-technical stakeholders.Own the Mistake: Acknowledge the issue and take responsibility.Post-Crisis ManagementEvaluation and Learning: Conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis to understand what went wrong and how to improve.Policy Updates: Revise and strengthen policies and procedures based on lessons learned.Customer Support: Offer ongoing support and remediation to affected customers.Balancing Transparency with SensitivityClear and Honest Communication:Timely Updates: Provide regular updates as the situation evolves.Avoid Jargon: Communicate in plain language for better understanding.Acknowledge Mistakes: Own up to errors and explain corrective measures.Sensitivity to Affected Parties:Personalized Communication: Reach out to affected customers individually when possible.Support Services: Provide resources such as hotlines, FAQs, and compensation if applicable. Offer support like free credit monitoring or identity theft protection.Privacy Considerations: Ensure that communication respects privacy and does not disclose further sensitive information.Balancing Act:Transparency: Be open about the nature and extent of the breach or glitch without causing unnecessary panic. Provide facts and avoid speculation.Sensitivity: Show empathy and understanding towards affected individuals and their concerns.How can companies balance transparency with sensitivity to affected parties during a data breach or technical crisis?Best Practices in Crisis CommunicationProactive Monitoring: Utilize tools to monitor for potential issues and respond before they escalate.Unified Messaging: Ensure all communications are consistent and come from authorized spokespersons.Stakeholder Engagement: Keep all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the crisis. This includes employees, customers, partners, and regulators.Crisis Team: Have a dedicated crisis management team with clear roles and responsibilities. This team should be trained to handle various crisis scenarios.Post-Incident Review: Conduct a comprehensive review and update the crisis management plan regularly. Learn from each incident to improve future responses.Balancing transparency with sensitivity during a data breach or technical crisis is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility, says Priya Sharma. “Timely disclosure is essential; affected parties should be informed as soon as possible with clear and concise information about the incident and its impact. Demonstrating empathy towards those affected and offering support and resources helps manage the situation effectively. Ensuring all communication is accurate and factual avoids speculation and misinformation. Regular updates on the progress of resolution efforts maintain transparency. Respecting the privacy of affected individuals is also important, avoiding unnecessary disclosure of personal information. By following these strategies, companies can effectively address concerns while maintaining a positive relationship with their stakeholders,” Sharma adds.Priya Sharma feels that social media plays a vital role in crisis communication, offering both challenges and opportunities. Companies can leverage social media effectively by providing real-time updates, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged.“Engaging with the audience by responding to queries and concerns promptly demonstrates responsiveness and care. Monitoring social media sentiment helps gauge public reaction and adjust communication strategies accordingly. Consistency in messaging across all social media channels is crucial to avoid confusion and maintain credibility. Honesty and transparency in social media communications, addressing issues directly, and acknowledging mistakes when necessary are also critical. By implementing these strategies, companies can effectively manage crises in the digital age, maintaining trust and minimizing reputational damage,” she concludes.

Reddit is bucking the trend! According to a recent report by digital market research company eMarketer, Reddit is seeing the biggest growth in daily time spent by users in the US compared to other social media platforms.Reddit Users Spending More TimeThe forecast predicts a significant jump in daily Reddit usage for 2024. Redditors can expect to spend an average of 31 minutes per day on the platform, which is an 11% increase from 2023's average of 28 minutes.Growth for Instagram, Decline for OthersWhile Reddit shines, some other platforms see mixed results. Instagram is projected to experience a modest increase of 1.3% in daily usage. However, the outlook isn't as bright for the biggest names in social media.Facebook and TikTok See SlowdownFacebook, the current king of social media in terms of monthly active users, is expected to see a decline in both user growth and daily usage. eMarketer predicts a -1.2% dip in average daily time spent on Facebook in 2024. Surprisingly, the wildly popular short-form video platform TikTok is also expected to cool down slightly, with a projected -1.2% decrease in daily user activity.Twitter and Snapchat Continue to StruggleThe news gets worse for Twitter (formerly known as Twitter) which has faced challenges since Elon Musk's takeover in 2022. eMarketer forecasts a steeper decline of -3.8% in daily user time for Twitter. Messaging app Snapchat isn't faring much better, with a predicted -4.5% drop in daily usage.Reddit's Rise Linked to Ad Revenue GrowthThe rise of Reddit usage is translating to growing advertising revenue. eMarketer predicts a 28% increase in ad revenue for Reddit in 2024, reaching an estimated $741 million. This growth is likely fueled by Reddit's expanding user base. Backlinko's findings show that Reddit boasted approximately 73 million daily active users in the fourth quarter of 2023, a significant 27% increase from the same period in 2022 (57.5 million daily active users).The Bottom LineWhile some social media platforms are seeing a decline in user engagement, Reddit is defying the trend. With daily usage on the rise and ad revenue growing, Reddit is establishing itself as a major player in the social media landscape.

Glad U Came, a PR & influencer marketing agency, has announced its recognition as one of the TOP 100 Best of the Best Public Relations Agencies in the World 2024, awarded by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. The TOP 100 list showcased the best Public Relations Agencies worldwide, celebrating the superior levels of quality and excellence, demonstrated by their commitment to deliver exceptional results.After a thorough assessment and review process, Glad U Came has been distinguished as one of the best in the global communications market and has been awarded a prestigious place in the TOP 100 Public Relations Agencies of the World in 2024.Glad U Came's presence in this elite list is a testament to its never-failing commitment to offering luxurious experiences and service excellence to its customers. With a strong reputation and dedication to excellence, GUC has now made significant waves in the global communications market."We are elated and humbled by this recognition; it’s absolutely a team effort," said Maddie Amrutkar, Founder & CEO of Glad U Came. "We are honored to appear in the list of the best PR agencies globally and are truly thankful for the trust our clients have placed in us. We will continue to uphold our high standards and make our clients proud with our commitment to delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations. Our team is excited to receive this recognition and looks forward to continuing to make a lasting impact in this industry."

Flags Communications, a 360-degree Integrated marketing communications agency, has bagged the PR mandate to drive media visibility for the Bharat In Paris Inaugural Run, to express their solidarity and cheer for the Indian Olympic contingent going to the Paris Olympics. As the countdown to the Paris Olympic brings, Flags Communications raised the fever a few notches with media splash across the length and breadth of the country bringing to fore how enthusiastic runners came together to wish the Indian Olympic contingent the very best in their endeavour.With a short deadline to work on the project, Flags Communications, as always, demonstrated agility, team cohesiveness and seamlessly coordinated with every stakeholder and delivered results which was way beyond expectations, as said by the organiser, UNIV Sportatech.Ayush Nambiar, Director, Flags Communications, said: “Initially, we were a bit sceptical about the results which could be achieved, but the team ensured that no stone is left unturned and walked the extra mile to pull off a show in record time. The unflinching support of each member of the team and never-say-die attitude of each team member and swim against the tides is what sets Flags Communications apart from the rest. At Flags, speed is key and we are proud of our turnaround time that makes everything fall in place”He further added: “Conducting a successful event is an ideal platform for highlighting a brand and showcasing what the brand stands for. Flags makes the process simple by guiding the brand with the best ways to reach the audience and make the event fly high. Our team gets into the minute detailing of event planning to make sure that the event is PR-able and the end result is magnificent.Abhishek Issar, Founder, UNIV Sportatech, says: “Right from the word go, Flags Communications team worked in clock-work precision and working close knit to weave the fabric of success, much beyond our expectations. Flags Communications supported us (Team UNIV Sportatech), the organiser, in developing supporting materials and content in record time which came as a big relief to us and freeing our time to be able to concentrate on the larger activities of the event. The results kept coming well into the 3rd and even into the 4th day after the event completion, which clearly demonstrates the interest Flags Communications team created in media circles about UNIV Sportatech and ESports and giving it its due recognition”

Public relations giant Edelman has been tapped by Alterra Management Ltd., the UAE's newly launched $30 billion climate investment fund. Edelman will provide strategic communication services and manage events for Alterra.Building a Clean Energy FutureAlterra hit the ground running in late 2023, securing $6.5 billion in deals with major investment firms BlackRock, TPG Inc., and Brookfield Asset Management.They've also joined forces with Brookfield to launch the $5 billion Catalytic Transition Fund, which focuses on clean energy and developing clean technologies in developing nations.A Tailored PR ApproachEdelman's year-long contract includes a $45,000 monthly retainer and provides senior-level counsel to Alterra's CEO and leadership team. A dedicated Edelman staffer will be stationed full-time in Alterra's Abu Dhabi office, offering strong English writing skills, investment industry knowledge, and ideally fluency in both English and Arabic. A background in sustainability practices is a bonus.Simon Haines, managing director of Edelman Smithfield's Middle East operations, will spearhead the firm's work with Alterra.

In the wake of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which revoked the constitutional right to abortion, Weber Shandwick leaders decided to take their own initiative to address the 2022 ruling. Led by the late Angela Mears, then New York’s chief creative officer, the team aimed to protect women’s digital privacy amid growing concerns for those seeking reproductive health information online.This effort culminated on June 24, the second anniversary of Dobbs, with the launch of the Vagina Privacy Network (VPN). Created in partnership with MSI Reproductive Choices and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, this online portal helps women safely search for abortion care or reproductive health information without leaving a digital trail. The VPN provides a step-by-step guide for online identity protection, including links to free, secure web browsers. This digital toolkit is especially crucial in states with abortion restrictions.Last month’s VPN rollout featured activations in three states where abortion rights are banned (Indiana, Tennessee) or severely restricted (Georgia). VPN-branded burner phones with recordings of the digital privacy toolkit were distributed at marches marking the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade being overturned, and to grassroots partners. Billboards were also erected in state capitals to ensure legislators got the message.Pam Jenkins, Weber Shandwick’s chief public health officer, emphasized that the agency will continue supporting VPN, utilizing influencers and trusted female thought leaders to raise awareness of the site.The ultimate goal remains clear: safeguarding women's digital privacy.

KateCo.PR, a leading Australian public relations agency, announced the addition of Allkinds, an Aussie self-care brand focused on tweens (ages 8-12), to its growing beauty portfolio.This strategic partnership leverages KateCo.PR's extensive experience in the beauty sector, specifically their expertise in crafting impactful communication campaigns. The agency's dedicated beauty team will spearhead all communication efforts for Allkinds, encompassing exciting new product launches, innovative product features, and strategic gifting initiatives. Additionally, KateCo.PR will provide ongoing support to Allkinds' spokespeople, fostering a dynamic conversation surrounding the crucial yet often overlooked topic of tween and teen skincare.Allkinds' focus on creating fun, effective, and age-appropriate self-care products resonates strongly with KateCo.PR's values. The brand's commitment to clean, vegan formulas free from harsh chemicals aligns perfectly with the growing demand for transparency and safety in beauty products, particularly for younger audiences.Kate Keane, Managing Director, KateCo. PR, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Allkinds to our client stable - a brand that exudes fun while delivering carefully designed products for kids and teens. It is wonderful to watch our agency’s beauty and wellness portfolio continue to grow under the guidance of our Senior Account Director and beauty guru, Hannah O’Loughlin and we look forward to seeing the exciting PR plans our beauty team and Allkinds roll out together. Watch this space!"This strategic partnership comes at a pivotal time for the tween skincare market. Allkinds' dedication to providing effective and safe products resonates with this growing market segment. With KateCo.PR's strategic communication expertise on board, Allkinds is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the fun and functional tween skincare space.

Life360, a leading family safety app, has reappointed Sydney-based creative communications agency History Will Be Kind (HWBK) as its communications agency of record in Australia, following a successful six-month partnership.HWBK will continue to build, protect, and elevate Life360's brand image within the Australian market. Their work will encompass ongoing PR efforts designed to educate both media and consumers about the app's features and benefits.This builds upon HWBK's previous work with Life360, which included launching the Triple Tier membership program and a suite of new features like emergency response, data breach alerts, and identity theft protection.Lizzy Chadwick, Group Account Director at History Will Be Kind, said: "The juggle is real for many families, as parents are left to coordinate pick-ups and drop-offs, after school clubs and social commitments. All whilst promoting their kids’ independence, as they start learning to drive or socialising alone. That’s why we’re pleased to be helping Life360, as it arms families with the tools they need to stay safe and connected, be it online, in the comfort of their home, or on the open road."Life360's renewed partnership with HWBK adds to the agency's growing list of recent client wins and re-appointments, including Durex, Sanitarium Weet-Bix, and Sharesies.

Creative social media specialist That Lot, part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, has appointed former Deliveroo global head of creative Paul Hewitt as to the newly-created role of executive creative director.Hewitt joined Deliveroo in 2022 to lead its in-house creative agency. Before that, he spent nearly five years contracting with Google and YouTube in the UK as creative director. He has also worked at agencies including Karmarama and freelanced with clients such as Pinterest, Virgin, Yotel, Benefex and Waitrose. Alongside his commercial work, Hewitt is also an award-winning playwright.In his new role, Hewitt will lead That Lot’s creative output as part of the agency's leadership team. Recent client wins include high street bakery chain Greggs, which handed That Lot its social media business earlier this year.That Lot EVP Dylan Davenport said: “Creativity comes above everything else. So, it’s important we have someone who has the creative vision, the creative talent and the creative leadership to deliver that promise. And Paul has all three in bucketloads.”Hewitt said: “Championing creativity on the inside for great brands has been a real privilege. As these brands have grown creatively, I’ve seen social become the place for brands to get noticed, find their voice and create conversation. Now, I’ve got the opportunity to work with this stellar team at That Lot to get big ideas onto the small screen.”

Damion Potter has joined Burson as Global Chair, Public Affairs, effective July 22. He will be based in London and will serve on Burson’s global leadership team.Potter brings an extensive record in leadership roles in international diplomacy, government and public affairs, communications, crisis response, policy, trade and economic development, serving in both the public and private sectors in assignments spanning the UK, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Asia and the Americas. Most recently, Potter was Vice President and Global Head of Policy and Government Affairs for Haleon, the GSK consumer healthcare spin out, which was the largest listing on the London stock exchange in the past two decades. At Haleon, Potter was responsible for setting global public policy objectives and government engagement around the world.In his new role, Potter will lead the integration and further development of public affairs advisory assets across Burson, which includes teams in governmental centers globally, a network of expert external advisors, and several specialist companies in Washington D.C., including Dewey Square Group, Direct Impact and Prime Policy Group.“Damion is joining us at a time when government has never played a larger role in the business operating environment and when geopolitical shifts are also rapidly impacting trade, regulation, supply chains and commercial strategy,” said AnnaMaria DeSalva, Global Chairman, Burson, who oversees the agency’s global practices. “Today our clients require an integrated intelligence, government affairs and communications strategy to mitigate risk and build brands and reputation. Damion brings to Burson deep expertise and networks that will help us further empower our clients to foresee solutions, build support for key business decisions and transform business outcomes amid unprecedented complexity.”Before Haleon, Potter led the Delivery Department for the UN Climate Change Conference hosted in Glasgow (COP26). In this role he represented the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, advising the UK Government on policy and leading implementation of the World Leader Summit, the largest-ever assembly of world leaders in the UK.Earlier, Potter was British Ambassador to Panama City and Head of Central America Network, directing UK interests in trade, prosperity, peace and security. He negotiated the UK’s trade deal with six Central American countries following Brexit. He also served in diplomatic capacities in Sweden, Taiwan and Russia, with a focus on bilateral trade and investment in Taipei and Moscow.Before these roles, Potter was Communications Director and spokesperson for ESPN in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.“I’m delighted to join Burson at this important time to help clients grow or defend their businesses and build their reputations in an ever-changing world,” said Potter. “The Burson global public affairs team is renowned for its first-rate analysis and market intelligence; expert counsel to senior business leaders; its ability to work with local authorities on challenges and opportunities clients are facing in their markets; building government engagement; and leveraging its networks to positively influence the policies of decision-makers. Clients need this thoughtful and wide-ranging guidance right now and I am honored to join this outstanding team.”Potter is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Swedish, with conversational proficiency in Russian.

Indonesian state-owned enterprise Danareksa has announced the appointed Muhammad Iqbal Suminta as its new Head of Corporate Communications. Suminta brings extensive experience in public relations and communications to his new role.Prior to joining Danareksa, Suminta served as Group Head of Corporate Communications & CSR at Perusahaan Pengelola Aset (PPA), a subsidiary of Danareksa. In this role, he played a pivotal role in leading PPA's rebranding and business transformation efforts.Suminta's experience extends beyond Danareksa subsidiaries. He has held previous positions as a PR professional at Mandiri Sekuritas, a leading Indonesian securities firm, and Java PR, a prominent public relations agency. Additionally, Suminta boasts a background in journalism, having worked as a reporter for respected Indonesian financial publications like Indonesia Finance Today and Investor Daily.Suminta's diverse experience positions him well to spearhead Danareksa's ongoing rebranding efforts. Danareksa, a holding company with a focus on fostering Indonesia's capital market development, is likely aiming to strengthen its public image and brand recognition under Suminta's leadership.

Leaders from the country’s media, marketing and communications industry converged for the 4th edition of IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, Adgully’s premier PR industry event, which was held on July 18, 2024. In a short span of time, IMAGEXX Summit and Awards has been recognized as the PR industry’s go-to event.A key highlight of the Summit this year was a panel discussion on ‘Mastering Crisis Communication in the Age of Social Media’. The panel was chaired by Mahesh Devrani, Partner, SPAG FINN Partners. The esteemed panelists included:Abhilasha Gupta, Head - Global Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Tech MahindraC Lekha, VP - Corporate Communications & Brand Reputation, IndiGoJyotsna Dash Nanda, AVP, Corporate Communications, DS GroupSapna Bhawnani, Vice President - Communications & CSR - Asia-Pacific, AlstomUsha Iyer, Head - Corporate Communication, Dr Reddy LaboratoriesCommencing the discussions, Mahesh Devrani asked the panelists whether it is possible to master crisis.Usha Iyer responded by saying, “The biggest impact of a crisis is loss of trust or loss of credibility of a brand. It has taken years of toil to constantly talk to your stakeholders, to distinguish the routine from the non-routine. To manage it, being prepared is the first step. Another step is having a multi-pronged approach. Besides, educating the external stakeholders and internal stakeholders is also very essential.”C Lekha noted, “When you have over three lakh people traveling on your flights every day...it is something that we have built a lot on. You cannot ever master the art of crisis. What you can master is the art of managing the crisis and that is to be well-prepared. Transparency and honesty in what you’re saying, followed by action is a very important protocol of not just crisis managment, but building trust in general as well.”Sapna Bhawnani commented, “You can master your preparation. Make sure that your spokesperson approaches the public when he’s speaking about it with empathy. You can’t jump in to accept the blame until the cause has been established. You can perhaps do very well at mastering the post. You just have to manage.”Abhilasha Gupta emphasized, “Crisis communication is work in progress. There is never an end to it. Today, we’re not just on social media. Today, we are in the age of AI. You don’t even know whether the reaction is coming from a human being or it is coming from a machine. You can master the framework, you can master the response time, you can master the camaraderie that you have within your company.”Jyotsna Dash Nanda pointed out, “There are various types of crises. For instance when a partner of yours sends out the communication with incorrect information, which is not checked at source. The issue here is it is very difficult at times to figure out what is the source of the information, but you realize that it is already out there. And as you’re dealing with it, it’s on social media. By the time your partner can respond, the story would have proliferated and you would have had the news getting carried across several mediums. So, the only thing that you can do at that point in time is to find the source from where the news has gone out, which is your partner, but you can’t deride them either. So, you will only have to make a request and say that this is a mistake that has happened and be open about it and say that it is all right. But if you can, please do this and provide options so that the person doesn’t feel that we are dictating terms to them.

In a recent survey conducted by CommsAdda and Impact Public Relations Pvt Ltd, press releases continue to hold significant value in today's digital media landscape. Despite the rapid evolution of communication channels, press releases remain a cornerstone of corporate communication, trusted for their authenticity and comprehensive information.Key Survey Findings:  Relevance Affirmed: An overwhelming 89% of respondents believe press releases are still relevant, highlighting their role in maintaining factual integrity and trustworthiness.  Industry Insights: 90% of PR professionals and media journalists emphasize the importance of press releases for credibility and information consolidation.  Digital Adaptation: Press releases now integrate multimedia elements, enhancing user experience and search engine optimization.Challenges and Opportunities:  Content Quality: Journalists express concerns over the promotional nature of some releases, urging for more newsworthy content.  Enhanced Formats: Incorporating infographics and audio-visual elements can increase engagement and effectiveness.  Dissemination Efficiency: Efficiently reaching diverse media outlets remains a challenge, but social media offers expanded reach.Future Innovations:  Interactive Elements: Adding videos and infographics to press releases can boost engagement.  Personalization: Tailoring releases to specific journalists or media outlets improves the likelihood of coverage.  Real-Time Updates: Keeping information current and relevant ensures continued media interest.This survey underscores the enduring importance of press releases, adapting to new media trends while preserving their core purpose of delivering credible news. As communication strategies evolve, press releases continue to be a vital tool for organizations worldwide.

Sydney-based public relations agency InsideOut PR has secured the Australian account for Simon-Kucher Partners, a global consulting firm specializing in pricing and strategy, following a competitive pitch process.InsideOut PR, known for its expertise in both B2B and consumer communication, will develop and execute strategic PR campaigns designed to raise Simon-Kucher's profile and impact within the Australian market. This will involve targeted media relations, influencer engagement, and strategic content creation to showcase Simon-Kucher's thought leadership and expertise in pricing strategy.InsideOut PR CEO Nicole Reaney said: "We are thrilled to kick-start this journey with Simon-Kucher. Our goal is to forge strong partnerships with their teams amplifying their presence through targeted media exposure and strategic connections. We are committed to driving their vision forward and catalysing unstoppable growth." Simon-Kucher's arrival comes at a time of significant growth for the Australian pricing strategy consulting market. With InsideOut PR's expertise in navigating the Australian media landscape and Simon-Kucher's global reputation for pricing strategy, this partnership is well-positioned to help Simon-Kucher establish itself as a leading player in the Australian market.

The Sandpiper Group, the independent communications, public affairs, and research group headquartered in Asia Pacific, has appointed Michael Rinaman as Managing Director, Strategy.Based in Hong Kong, Michael will lead the development and growth of the firm’s Strategy practice globally, while integrating with its Digital Communications and Research & Insights offerings.Michael brings global experience consulting executives on reputation strategy using data-driven planning approaches across corporate communications, consumer communications, internal communications, and crisis & issues management. His experience covers a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, technology, financial services, energy, consumer brands, and government.Named to PRovoke’s Innovator 25 list for Asia Pacific in 2023, Michael joins Sandpiper from FleishmanHillard where he was Managing Director for research and analytics in Asia Pacific and led the organisation’s impact measurement offering globally.The appointment extends Sandpiper’s commitment to providing clients with insights-rich strategies in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and globally, and comes just one year after the firm’s launch of Sandpiper Research & Insights in 2023.Emma Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Sandpiper, said: “Michael’s embrace of communications innovation and vast experience across the region and globally will make him an indispensable asset to our clients. As reputation and communications strategy evolves, Sandpiper is continually investing to help our clients navigate change. The growth of our Strategy practice will complement both our expanding Digital and Research & Insights offerings, while also feeding into more impactful work for our clients across all capabilities.”Michael Rinaman, Managing Director, Strategy, Sandpiper, said: “The need for data-validated strategies is evolving at a rapid pace across the globe and especially in Asia Pacific. To be able to join Sandpiper, which is consistently investing in the capabilities that communicators need for the future, gives me the opportunity to embrace that change and focus on combining intuition and insight for the sake of more successful client strategy. I am excited to join a team of such talented consultants, advisors, and communicators.”

Adgully’s IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, the premier PR industry event, took place on July 18, 2024, at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to celebrate excellence in public relations and communication.The event witnessed an insightful panel discussion on ‘Navigating Geopolitics: The Role of Public Policy and ESG in Shaping Global Communication Strategies’. The panel was led by Rahul Kashyap, Executive Director, PRP Group, and the esteemed panelists included:Sonal Singh, Head - Corporate Communications, Jindal StainlessAnil Patni, EU Policy and Outreach Expert, Apex AdvisersSanghpriya Gautam, Director, Speyside.The industry experts explored how geopolitical factors influence government actions and the resultant effects on businesses, particularly within the Indian manufacturing sector. They also delved into the critical role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in shaping business strategies.In today’s global landscape, the interplay between geopolitics and corporate strategy is undeniable. Government decisions, often shaped by international dynamics, profoundly impact business operations.Rahul Kashyap opened the conversation by posing a crucial question: “How do you see that geopolitics affects government decisions and the effect of it on the corporate side of it?”Sonal Singh, representing the Indian manufacturing sector, provided insights into how communication strategies often come into play post-crisis. She explained, “I believe a lot of communication strategies kick in after the geopolitical disaster has already happened.” Citing the impact of Chinese imports on various industries in India, Singh highlighted how the Trump administration’s Section 232 tariffs catalyzed global shifts from globalization to nationalization. She noted, “That one decision of Trump triggered governments all across the world to take action.”Singh further illustrated the importance of timely government intervention by referencing India’s dependency on imported containers. Despite ample research and advocacy, significant policy changes often occur only during crises, such as the Galwan incident. She stated, “India is such a large behemoth. There are so many other pressing issues in front of the government that sometimes things have just to be jerked into action.”Transitioning to the topic of ESG, Rahul Kashyap remarked on its critical importance and the perception of its weaponization. Anil Patni responded by tracing the evolution from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to ESG. He observed, “Before this buzzword of ESG came around... we had something called CSR.”Patni emphasized on the longstanding tradition of Indian companies engaging in social responsibility as a strategic business practice, which has now expanded to include environmental considerations due to global awareness initiatives like the IPCC reports. He added, “Now, companies are forced to become good citizens. They have to pay attention to their carbon footprint.”Patni underscored the regulatory aspect, stating, “In Europe, you have a European climate law. In India also, now it is compulsory for the top thousand companies... to compulsorily report on their environmental performance.”Sanghpriya Gautam elaborated on the intrinsic value of ESG, asserting its necessity. He stated, “Everyone in this world is using resources... So that’s how the environmental aspect of ESG comes in.” Gautam stressed on the importance of addressing local needs and fostering sustainable CSR programs to ensure long-term benefits for communities. He highlighted the governance aspect by pointing out the safety concerns in regions like Gurgaon, which can deter investment. Gautam emphasized, “Investment in ESG is not negative; you get really good returns.”In conclusion, the discussion illuminated the profound impact of geopolitical decisions on government actions and corporate strategies. The emphasis on ESG underscores its growing significance as a framework for responsible and sustainable business practices. As businesses navigate these complex dynamics, the integration of geopolitical awareness and ESG principles will be crucial for long-term success.

 Warner Communications, (a Millwright agency), is now the public relations agency of record for the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), a national nonprofit organization that provides donated logistics assistance to disaster relief organizations before, during, and after catastrophic events.ALAN's coordinated compassionate supply chain services for disasters have included responses to the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Fiona, the California atmospheric river storms, and the COVID-19 pandemic, among others. ALAN's work is made possible by in-kind and financial donors, volunteers and the greater logistics community."We are continually moved and impressed by the dedication of the logistics community to do whatever they can to help support disaster survivors," said Kathy Fulton, Executive Director of ALAN. "We are delighted to partner with Warner Communications as their expertise in the logistics and supply chain sectors makes them a great fit to amplify our work.""ALAN's mission to leverage the power and knowledge of the logistics industry for good deeply resonates with the Warner team," said Jessica Whidt, Managing Director, Warner Communications. "We are looking forward to providing our media relations and communications acumen, as well as our supply chain and logistics expertise, to support the continued growth and success of their mission."

Creative communications agency SOCIETY has bolstered its consultancy team with the promotions of Lucy Brewer and Meriel Killeen. Lucy Brewer has been elevated to Client Lead, joining the senior leadership team. Her impressive work includes collaborations with Blooms The Chemist, Unilever ANZ, and Woolworths. Meriel Killeen, now a Manager, has contributed significantly to campaigns for Color Wow, Evo, Violet Crumble, and the Australian Education Union?. SOCIETY CEO Dena Vassallo said: "Building the skills of our team is imperative to providing quality services as our clients look to spark brand connections and create a meaningful impact on our society. We empower our people to challenge themselves creatively and professionally, so to see Lucy and Meriel step into these new roles is incredibly rewarding. It’s always fulfilling to see people thrive and grow within our organisation and take the next steps in their career development. I look forward to seeing them both continue to excel as well as inspire others to follow in their footsteps."

Rhiannon Hughes has been appointed as the Campaign Director at Lewis Communications in Sydney. She joins the agency after serving as the Content and PR Manager at Employsure. With extensive experience in public relations, Hughes has held key roles at renowned agencies such as Sling & Stone, Porter Novelli, and Wright Communications across Australia and New Zealand??.At Sling & Stone, Hughes was promoted to Account Director, reflecting her expertise and leadership skills?. Her appointment at Lewis Communications marks a strategic move to enhance their campaign management capabilities in the competitive Sydney market.

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) APAC has launched the "Asia Go-To-Market Primer 2024," offering strategic insights for establishing communication programmes across Asia. Covering 13 markets, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, India, and Sri Lanka, the primer provides detailed profiles of each region's socioeconomic, media, and cultural landscapes. It also suggests budget guidelines for strategic communications activities.Led by Caroline Hsu, Co-Chair of PRCA APAC and Chief Global Officer at The Hoffman Agency, the initiative aims to address Asia's growing complexity and diversity. Hsu emphasized the need for recognizing Asia's digital maturity, economic growth, and cultural uniqueness to create impactful campaigns.

Emerald Media, a UK PR agency for the airline, aerospace and business aviation industries, and Aurora The Agency, a Dubai-headquartered 360 agency, have formed a strategic alliance to address growing demand for aviation-specific brand and relationship building, plus brand reputation management across key markets.The idea is to harness their combined expertise in communications and marketing strategies. This partnership aims to optimise the synergies of their respective strengths to meet the anticipated increase in demand for specialised PR and Communications services from aviation brands.Alison Chambers, founder and director of Emerald Media, stated: “After a challenging few years the industry is set for record growth once again. This growth is complemented by trailblazing clean tech air transport models in various degrees of development. Targeted and clear communications that educate and inform are increasingly necessary to sustain growth and further expand reach across key markets.”“Inevitably, aviation brands in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are looking to tap into the region’s vast opportunities. Building on our three decades of specialist agency experience, Emerald Media is delighted to partner with Aurora The Agency to provide expert PR and communications consultancy anchored on shared values. Clients will benefit from our extensive aviation knowledge and contacts and Aurora’s experience working in local markets across the MENA region,” she added.Iona Al Suwaidi, Agency Director at Aurora The Agency, added: “Over the years, Aurora The Agency has built a solid reputation for excellence in providing expert PR and communications consultancy and advice to aviation brands operating from the UAE and across the region. As a homegrown UAE brand, we have the local knowledge and expertise in dealing with key media titles, both in English and Arabic, as well as in crafting and executing PR and communications campaigns across the MENA region.“We are thrilled to have forged this partnership with Emerald Media and thank Alison and the Emerald Media team for making this happen. We look forward to working closely together to assist global aviation companies based outside of this region with their PR and Communications requirements. I am confident that together we will effectively communicate the key messages of aviation clients to their intended target audiences in this part of the world,” Al Suwaidi added.Liz Bamford, PR Director and Head of Strategy at Aurora The Agency, commented: “The aviation industry in the Middle East is booming. The region has been leading the way, not just in consistent growth in passenger and air cargo numbers as well as in innovation and technology. This includes initiatives in passenger experience, airport technology, aircraft and engine maintenance and addressing the environmental impact of aviation. The Government of Dubai recently announced plans to build a new international passenger air terminal and shift the operations of Dubai International Airport to Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport within the next decade. The new facility will be five times in size and capacity at a cost of close to US$35 billion. This is indicative of the anticipated massive growth within the region’s aviation sector.“By partnering with Emerald Media’s global network and establishing its aviation arm in the MENA region, we are well-positioned to satisfy the huge need for a regional aviation communications specialist. Together, we will have the capacity to increase our roster of aviation clients across the globe, creating a sector centre of communications excellence and expertise,” Bamford added.The partnership between Emerald Media and Aurora The Agency is further anchored and aligned upon their shared values of client-centricity, service excellence, creativity, innovation and teamwork.The collaboration also reunites Chambers and Bamford, who have known each other for 15 years and have previously worked together supporting well-known aviation brands and industry events in and out of the region including MEBAA and The Airport Show.

CoreLogic, a leading provider of property data, analytics, and risk management services in Australia and New Zealand, has appointed Andrew Barclay as its new Head of Communications. Barclay brings a diverse skillset to CoreLogic, with extensive experience in both journalism and corporate communications. He joins the company from Commonwealth Bank, where he held a senior communications position. Prior to that, Barclay honed his communication skills at BNY Mellon in the UK. But Barclay's background extends beyond corporate communications. He boasts a strong foundation in journalism, having previously served as a Business Reporter for the prestigious South China Morning Post. Additionally, his experience with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) demonstrates his understanding of the local media landscape.Barclay's appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Australian property market. With rising interest rates and ongoing inflation concerns, CoreLogic plays a crucial role in providing data-driven insights to navigate this complex environment. Barclay's expertise will be instrumental in ensuring transparency and clear communication with industry stakeholders, consumers, and the media.The Australian property market is currently experiencing a period of moderation after a period of rapid price growth. Interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) are impacting affordability, and inflation is putting pressure on household budgets. CoreLogic's data and analysis are critical for understanding these trends and making informed decisions about the property market.

The Australian telecommunications industry association, Communications Alliance, announced the appointment of Luke Coleman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Coleman will assume the role on September 16, 2024.Coleman brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having spent over 18 years working across journalism, government, and the communications industry. He joins Communications Alliance from Vocus, a leading provider of specialist fibre and network solutions, where he served as Head of Government and Corporate Affairs.Prior to his time at Vocus, Coleman honed his political acumen by advising then-Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications, the Hon. Paul Fletcher MP, and later serving as an advisor and Chief of Staff to former Minister for Communications, Senator the Hon. Mitch Fifield."Having spent my entire professional career in telecommunications, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the industry I love so much as CEO. The telecoms sector is experiencing a period of great disruption, and the role played by Communications Alliance as the voice of the industry has never been more important. I firmly believe that digital connectivity is the foundation of the modern economy, and I look forward to working with the Board, members, and stakeholders to ensure our industry is able to deliver to its full potential," Luke said.

Adgully’s IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, the premier PR industry event, took place on July 18, 2024, at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to celebrate excellence in public relations and communication.The event witnessed an engaging keynote address by Aakriti Bhargava, Co-Founder, Wizikey, on ‘Tech to the Rescue of PR: How Tech Will Change Public Relations in This Decade’.Aakriti Bhargava began her keynote by sharing her journey in the PR industry. She said, “I have held several roles within PR, starting in an agency, then moving to corporate communications, and eventually running my own agency for ten years. After a decade, I felt something needed to change, and that’s how Wizikey was born.”Wizikey, Bhargava explained, is a product designed with the belief that technology should serve PR professionals. “We are very smart people in this industry,” she noted. To emphasize the need for tech integration, she engaged the audience with a quick survey, asking “How many of you have more than five years of experience in PR?” Many hands went up. Continuing further, she asked, “How many of you use WhatsApp to communicate news with your peers?”, followed by “How many end up collating news in Excel sheets at the end of the month?” The responses revealed the widespread reliance on traditional methods, highlighting the need for technological advancements in PR.“I don’t want to delve too much into history, but we must understand how the PR landscape has evolved. From the early 20th century to the 2010s, we primarily consumed print and broadcast media. Then, we experienced a media explosion with websites, social media, and podcasts, which we are still adapting to,” Bhargava noted. She also emphasized the rapid pace at which news is generated today, saying, “The speed of news has increased tenfold, if not more.”In this fast-paced environment, Bhargava highlighted the unpredictable nature of modern PR crises. “Today, crises can erupt on Twitter or any platform instantly,” she said, adding that this unpredictability necessitates a new approach to PR, one that leverages technology to keep pace with the rapid flow of information.“Why hasn’t technology intervened in PR the way it has in other fields like sales or HR?” Bhargava pondered. She explained that PR has always dealt with big data manually, but recent advancements in AI and technology now allow for emotional intelligence to be integrated into these systems, making them more effective.Bhargava identified three key areas where technology will significantly impact PR: Speed, Accuracy, and Creativity.Speed: We need to produce reports and media lists quickly. AI can generate reports in seconds, transforming tasks that used to take days.Accuracy: Technology can enhance the accuracy of sentiment analysis and defect detection. AI can process 1 lakh articles in under a second, providing insights we couldn’t achieve manually.Creativity: AI can help generate content ideas and match content globally, allowing PR professionals to focus on creative strategies rather than mundane tasks.She cited an example of predictive analysis in action, saying, “We worked with a client facing global crises. We set up a system to send negative news alerts directly to their WhatsApp, enabling them to respond instantly.”Bhargava emphasized that integrating AI and technology into PR isn’t about replacing humans, but complementing their work. “For me,” she said, “this means fun, science, and magic.”

Industry leaders from the country’s media, marketing and communications converged for the 4th edition of IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, Adgully’s premier PR industry event, which was held on July 18, 2024 at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. In a short span of time, IMAGEXX Summit and Awards has been recognized as the PR industry’s go-to event.The Summit concluded with a fireside chat between Deepak Jolly, Founder and Director, Consocia Advisory and Deepali Naair, Group Chief Marketing Officer, CK Birla Group. The topic of the discussion was ‘Synergizing Marketing and Communication: Creating a Unified Strategy for Success’.Deepak Jolly commenced the discussion by speaking about his own experience, and added, “When marketing and PR work in tandem, the results are absolutely phenomenal.”Sharing her views, Deepali Naair said, “I personally believe that marketing and corporate communications should be very well integrated. That’s when the brand narrative, the company narrative, the corporate narrative can come together. We have seen this especially in the last ten years, when digital, social, digital assets that you build, are all coming together, and it has become a very interactive world with your audiences. The way we do the narratives, the execution and the amplification of the narrative have completely changed.”Speaking about the challenges of maintaining the synergy between marketing and PR, Naair noted, “The challenge is that you do not have too many senior people who even think about it or believe it. If you look at the seat on the table, marketing itself may not have a seat on the table. In a lot of boards, in a lot of places, marketing themselves sometimes do not even report into the CEO. And after that the corporate communication professionals, who are hired by the organization may not even have that much seat on the table.”According to her, “The issue is that you need to create a place in the heart of the marketing professional and then that person also needs to have a seat on the table. I think it’s a double whammy in that sense.”

The IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, a premier event in the public relations industry organised by Adgully, concluded successfully yesterday (July 18) at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. This year marked a remarkable increase of over 35% in entries, highlighting the growing recognition of PR excellence across agencies and corporates nationwide.The event celebrated outstanding achievements with Adfactors PR being honored as the PR Agency Of The Year. Kaizzen took home the PR Agency Of The Year (Jury’s Choice) award, while PR Professionals received the accolade for PR Agency Of The Year (Adgully’s Choice).Media Mantra was recognized as the Best Independent PR Agency Of The Year, and The Right PR was named Emerging PR Agency Of The Year. Candour Communications secured the Specialist Consultancy/Firm Of The Year award, with Teamwork Communications Group and Genesis BCW winning the Jury’s and Adgully’s Choice awards respectively in the same category.Delivering his keynote address, Rahul Shivshankar, Consulting Editor at Network18, emphasized why mainstream news maintains an edge over independent media. He noted the rise of opinionated independent outlets, like YouTubers, challenging traditional media's viewership. Shivshankar questioned the true independence of these platforms, suggesting their freedom might exclude obligations for accuracy and factual reporting. He highlighted the potential hidden funding influences on independent media and acknowledged their role in diversifying news perspectives. However, he asserted that mainstream media, bound by rigorous standards, offers verified content and faces stricter accountability, which ultimately serves the audience better.A highlight of the event was a dynamic panel discussion on ‘The Future of Public Relations in the Age of AI,’ chaired by Bhaskar Majumdar of CommsAdda. Panelists, including industry leaders like Dr. Navneet Anand, Dr. Samir Kapur, and Manu Kumar, explored how AI is reshaping the PR landscape. They emphasized that AI enhances creativity and efficiency while maintaining the irreplaceable human touch in communication.Another engaging session focused on ‘New Paradigms in PR Metrics,’ led by Madhurima Bhatia from Ipsos. The panelists, including experts from Amazon India and Shell, discussed innovative ways to measure PR success, moving beyond traditional metrics to more impactful measures like Share of Influence and Media Impact Scores.The IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024 underscored the evolving dynamics of the PR industry, offering insights into leveraging technology for enhanced communication strategies. The event concluded with a commitment to foster innovation and excellence in public relations.“IMAGEXX Awards 2024 has once again proven to be a cornerstone event for the PR industry, celebrating the remarkable achievements and innovative strides made by our peers. The increased participation this year underscores the dynamic growth and evolving nature of public relations. As we continue to embrace new technologies and methodologies, our commitment remains steadfast—to elevate the standards of communication and to inspire excellence across the industry. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions. Together, we are shaping the future of PR,” said Bijoya Ghosh, founder and CEO, Adgully.

Disney is currently investigating a significant data breach after the hacktivist group Nullbulge claimed responsibility for leaking over 1.2 terabytes of internal communications. This breach allegedly includes sensitive information about upcoming projects, advertising campaigns, and even employee data.Nullbulge, which identifies as a group protecting artists’ rights, stated that they targeted Disney due to its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative processes, which they consider detrimental to artists. The hackers claimed they accessed Disney's internal Slack channels through an insider, although this has not been independently verified?.The leaked data reportedly contains raw images, project details, and technical information. Nullbulge has a history of opposing the use of AI in creative industries, arguing that it constitutes intellectual theft??.Disney confirmed the investigation but has not provided details about the extent or impact of the breach. This incident has heightened concerns in the creative industry about the implications of AI on artists' livelihoods?.

Havas agencies, including Havas London, Lemz, New York, and Immerse, have lost their B Corporation certifications following an investigation by B Lab. This decision comes after Havas Media signed a contract with Shell, raising concerns about the company's alignment with B Corp values of transparency and sustainability.A B Corporation (or B Corp) is a certification awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The certification is administered by the nonprofit B Lab, which assesses companies based on their impact on various stakeholders, including workers, customers, community, and the environment. B Corps aim to use business as a force for good, balancing profit and purpose.The B Lab, which oversees B Corp certifications, acted upon complaints highlighting the environmental impact of Havas Media's association with Shell. Clean Creatives, an activist group, led the criticism, urging agencies to avoid partnerships with fossil fuel companies?.The removal of B Corp status reflects growing pressure on agencies to uphold ethical standards, particularly concerning climate change. Activists argue that working with fossil fuel companies contradicts B Corp principles. This incident underscores the broader movement demanding greater accountability within the advertising industry?.

Adgully’s IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, the premier PR industry event, took place on July 18, 2024, at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to celebrate excellence in public relations and communication.The event witnessed an insightful keynote by Manoj Adlakha, CEO and Founder of RedBeryl Lifestyle Services, on ‘The Role of Strategic Communication in Elevating Luxury Lifestyle Brands’.At the outset, Manoj Adlakha highlighted some compelling statistics about the industry. One of the standout figures was the PR market in India, which, as per the latest data, is projected to be worth approximately $20 billion. This figure underscores the significant scale and potential of the PR industry in the country.Adlakha also provided an insightful perspective on the luxury market in India. He noted that the luxury sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2023, the market was valued at $30 billion. According to reports from leading consultancies such as KPMG, Deloitte, and BCG, this figure is expected to triple within the next 3-4 years, reaching $100 billion. This explosive growth reflects a booming sector with vast opportunities.Another key statistic that Adlakha shared was the increase in affluent households in India. Currently, there are about 13,500 to 14,000 affluent households, defined as those with incomes exceeding $30 million (approximately Rs 300 crore). This number is expected to rise to 20,000 in the next 2-3 years, further illustrating the rapid expansion of the luxury market.Adlakha emphasized the pivotal role that PR professionals play in this dynamic market. As the luxury sector continues to evolve, PR and strategic communication are essential in showcasing India’s growing prominence on the global stage. This is particularly important given the post-COVID shifts in travel, tourism, and consumer behaviour.Speaking about his own venture, Adlakha introduced RedBeryl Lifestyle Services, a company he founded after a distinguished 30-year career with American Express, where he served as CEO in India. RedBeryl aims to offer a unique blend of luxury lifestyle management, combining the best features of premium credit cards with concierge services. It caters specifically to high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs), offering personalized services through dedicated relationship managers available 24/7.Adlakha clarified that RedBeryl is not a credit card company or a concierge service, but rather a comprehensive lifestyle solution provider. With its Red and Black Cards priced at Rs 7 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh, respectively, the company is already making strides in six cities. Adlakha expressed optimism about expanding into additional international markets by the end of the year.RedBeryl’s services focus on delivering bespoke experiences, tailored to the unique preferences of each client. This includes everything – from securing reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants to providing access to over 3,000 exclusive social and golf clubs worldwide. Adlakha highlighted the company’s commitment to offering flexibility and choice, enabling clients to enjoy premium experiences with minimal hassle.The company’s offerings also include access to 62 domestic lounges across 26 cities in India and approximately 1,000 lounges globally. RedBeryl’s services extend to expedited airport experiences, such as meet-and-assist services, visa facilitation, and 24/7 concierge support across more than 50 countries.Adlakha also shared some examples of unique requests from clients that RedBeryl has successfully fulfilled, illustrating the company’s dedication to delivering on its promises.

Industry leaders from the country’s media, marketing and communications converged for the 4th edition of IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, Adgully’s premier PR industry event, which was held on July 18, 2024 at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. In a short span of time, IMAGEXX Summit and Awards has been recognized as the PR industry’s go-to event.A key highlight of the Summit this year was a panel discussion on ‘New Paradigms in PR Metrics’. The panel was chaired by Madhurima Bhatia, Head of PR, Media Engagement & Partnerships, India & APEC (Asia Pacific excluding China), Ipsos. The esteemed panellists included:Abhi Mahapatra, Director - PR, Amazon IndiaDr Rajiv Chhibber, Vice President - External Affairs (Policy, Government Relations & Outreach), Sahajanand Medical TechnologiesHimanshu Raj, Head - Reputation and Policy, Pristyn CareNatasha Wadhwa, Head - Strategic Communications and Brand, Shell IndiaRohit Dubey, Vice President, Reliance JioSunita Patnaik, Director of Corporate Affairs, Mars Wrigley IndiaUdita Dutta, Founder, Artsmith Concepts & Visions (Artsmith.in)Commencing the discussions, Madhurima Bhatia remarked, “The importance of PR cannot be overemphasized. It builds reputations. It gives you visibility for the great work the company does. It makes you engage with your stakeholders. And these days, companies have their goals defined at the beginning of the year. And PR professionals and custodians, they are entrusted with the task to ensure that we achieve those goals.” She then asked the panelists how they measure the efficacy and effectiveness of the work in public relations.Abhi Mahapatra replied, " We obsess in inputs over outputs. While we track goals and metrics, including , SoV, earned exposures impressions, reach – are.some of the parameters that we use for measurement, both on social and traditional. But we are very obsessed about what our input mechanisms are because we believe that if the inputs are right, the outputs will find a way.”He further added, “We are moving away from SOVs (Share of voice) to SOI, which is Share of Influence, because we believe that voice share is probably important to measure competition benchmarking but not impactful for other tracks."Speaking about the regulated industry such as the implants industry, which is actually governed by the Drugs and the Cosmetics Act, Dr Rajiv Chhibber said, “Because our kols are largely doctors, hospitals, and the Government of India as well – be it the Ayushman Bharat setup we are looking at, or the CGHS or the healthcare schemes – one thing that we define as a communications policy is an acronym – SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound. Doctors can give us a maximum of 10-15 minutes’ attention, and after that it’s gone. So, our strategy becomes very different. And the methodologies to gauge what we’ve achieved are very different too.”Sharing the perspective of the start-up industry, Himanshu Raj said, “Being a start-up, there’s no scope for qualitative analysis. ‘Dhanda kitna hua’ (How much business has been done) is everything. Vanity metrics don’t add anything to your business. We now measure something called Share of Headline. How many times we are in the headline, because it gives you a very clear picture. We also do Google Analytics. For any time we give out a press release, we see how much brand searches have increased. Lastly, every time a patient comes to us, they fill a form. There is a segment we have added. Have you read about Pristyn Care in the media? That gives us an idea of what our patients are reading about, and I can directly correlate it to our business.”Speaking about the challenges of upholding the brand and reputation of a company like Shell and policy and regulatory goals, Natasha Wadhwa said, “Shell has defined a global strategy, which is called ‘Powering Progress’, which has four pillars. One is about shareholder value. One focuses on net zero emissions, one focuses on powering lives, the impact that we make on communities around us, and lastly, on respecting nature. We have defined a measurement which we call ‘Media Impact Score’, which you can call like an index, which has multiple touch points feeding into it, like sentiment, tonality, prominence. We arrive at a media impact score and then we measure it against all these four pillars. It’s a quarterly cadence.”Speaking on owned media, Rohit Dubey said, “Jio was born as a digital-first company. Whatever we did, digital was on the top of our mind. When we were starting the PR way back in 2016, the first thing we did was get an ORM tool. And that ORM tool was then acquired and internally is now being used for so many years, and it has undergone many changes with the advent of technologies all over. And that is what gives us the first set of feedback. But much earlier in our lives, we realized that you can’t just depend on online and social media, you also have to move to the conventional of print and television. He further added, “The challenge we initially came across was that you have to make PR relevant. It is not the conventional measurement which is going to work for us. You have to work with a set of measurement tools by which not only the impact is measured, but that impact is converted into a measurable matrix for sales, for management and for your finance, how the sales is looking at what PR is doing. And over a period of time we have been able to do it. The dependence of Jio on PR is very high compared to advertising. So, you won’t see Jio’s advertising except during IPL.”Emphasizing on the importance of reputation, Sunita Patnaik said, “Mars Wrigley India is obsessed with how we are perceived by our stakeholders, by our shareholders. We are obsessed with how we recruit our consumers. We firmly believe that reputation is not just getting a few stories in the media, but across the value chain. How are our shareholders or our stakeholders perceiving us? And it also helps us in recruiting talent. We are guided by something called the ‘Compass’. It gives us a good visibility of how our share and our stakeholders are thinking, feeling and what are they doing about it.”Speaking from a sports and esports industry standpoint, Udita Dutta said, “I belong to the sports and esports industry, which itself is a very happening industry. But when it comes to the aspect of matrix and measuring, we still are a work in progress, because for us, when it comes to live sports, it’s all about engagement. So, sharing a voice is something we’ve been pushing all our clients to move away from. One size definitely doesn’t fit all. For sports, I think education, credibility, engagement, and understanding are important. We prefer it if it is a live sport, including IPL. Input is very important for us.

Industry leaders from the country’s media, marketing and communications have converged for the 4th edition of IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, Adgully’s premier PR industry event, which is being held today (July 18, 2024) at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. In a short span of time, IMAGEXX Summit and Awards has been recognized as the PR industry’s go-to event.The event commenced with the opening keynote address by Rahul Shivshankar, Consulting Editor, Network18. While speaking on the topic ‘Redefining Journalism: The Impact of Independent Media on Mainstream News’, Shivshankar noted that there are several competitors in the news medium today. Highlighting the growth of ‘independent’ news media, he pointed out that there are several YouTubers today, some of whom were journalists once, but now want to be independent. Many of them have been able to win over viewers with their content and get them to subscribe to their YouTube channels. “So, mainstream news asks, where do I get my little niche back, how do I get 50% of the views back from these great competitors?” he said.Continuing further, Shivshankar pointed out that those calling themselves independent news media are quite opinionated. “But the trouble is when I, a part of mainstream media, become opinionated, you would say ‘What kind of an anchor is he? He is taking a position’. Now you have to ask yourself, who has pushed me, the mainstream media, into taking a position?,” he added.Shivshankar made a pertinent point when he said, “You are watching non-traditional sources, the independent media, which is very opinionated. Now I want to ask, have we ever thought about what we mean by the label ‘Independent’? And what are they independent from? What do they seek independence from? Are they seeking independence from the need to be factual, truthful, and accurate, or are they seeking independence from legacy platforms that many of you may today believe are no longer objective?”While urging the audience to seriously ponder on this, he observed, “We all say that we want independent sources of news, that are untinged by bias and which gives us the truth as it is. But we do not ask how we can be so sure that these independent sources are also independent of biases. We listen to them because their opinions sound great. After all, they can say a lot of things by being independent. They can say a lot of unqualified things, so are they seeking independence to be able to say things that are not qualified at all?”On the other hand, he said, “Because I represent a news channel with a great legacy – CNN for example, TV18 – I have to think about the consequences of everything that I say, of every fact that I show on my show. I have to make sure that every fact is bonafide. However, independent media has no such obligations. They can get away with a lot and they have gotten away with a lot. And a lot of you out there believe them, they shape your opinions on things, making you vote in a particular way. I don’t want to be negative, I do believe that independent media has done a lot, but what is meant by the term ‘independent media’?”Elaborating further, he said, “Does independent media mean that they are independent of a funding source? I remember there is a lot of talk today about who is funding whom. And to what end? Just a few months ago, I wanted to start my independent platform, and I went out there with some people coming to me because they wanted to see good journalists, but others came to me and said ‘We will give you ‘x’ amount of money, but it comes with strings attached. I refused. It’s an eco-system that feeds into itself, so the person who is funding you will also ensure that you are successful. There are large numbers of podcasters and Youtubers in the news space, who get huge hits, so the eco-system expects them to say something, and then they amplify that. And that becomes the economic model – more views mean more money.”He stressed that the independence from the funding source might be a lie. “We do not know who their funders are. And it’s not easy to be independent and self-sustaining. It’s very tough. When they say they are independent, are they independent of political control? In a country, where the first amendment made by the great liberal Nehru was about curtailing free speech, can these people push the boundaries without fearing the consequences? I cannot and I sit in a massive network that has a lot of heft. I came from another massive network brand – Times Now, where I was the Editor-in-Chief. A certain newspaper reported ‘Gunman shot dead at Trump rally’, it was as if Trump shot him, or his supporters shot him, instead of saying how Trump escaped with his life in an attack where the gunman was killed. Just look at how the news changes in the public imagination.”At the same time, Shivshankar pointed out that legacy media, too, have problems. “Since we are competing against independent journalists, we have had to anticipate this, because we have seen a large number of people watch them. So, independent media has given voice to diversified perspectives, stories that perhaps others may not have covered – not because they were not interesting, but we, the mainstream media, thought that people would not be interested in them. Thus, it has created a choice, which is a good thing. It has democratized access to news; you don’t only have to watch mainstream bullies like Rahul Shivshankar on TV anymore, you can watch others who are kind of bullies.”He candidly admitted, “I realized that we have made certain mistakes, and when you look at them through a tight frame, those mistakes look big. You can just narrow on them, and you can say this guy is from mainstream media, and they are not worth it.”He wondered, “Why do these independent media people have a problem? Why they only write about media in publications? What is their problem? I don’t write about ‘X’ and ‘Y’. But I do realise that they are doing what everyone classically does in a competitive space – criticize the established so that people start moving away from the established, and look for alternatives. Politicians do that all the time, criticize Modi, criticize Rahul Gandhi, so people can move away from them. It’s our responsibility to ensure that we don’t make even half a mistake, so the one thing that independent media has done is making mainstream media more conscious about the red lines, because you can get exposed. And that has put the fear of God in us, which is very good. So, the 50% who do not watch, must start watching, because you will get more value now than in the past.”