EMOMEE, the fast-growing children’s entertainment brand helping young audiences build essential life skills through its beloved characters E, Mo & Mee, has appointed Maars Communicates, a leading integrated communications and digital marketing agency, as its strategic communications partner in India.The mandate comes at an important phase in EMOMEE’s growth journey, following the brand’s debut on Netflix with EMOMEE: Big Skills for Little Ones, Minis. The first Netflix series features 20 curated 11-minute episodes centred around life skills including confidence, kindness, curiosity, emotional intelligence, resilience and problem-solving.The appointment will see Maars Communicates lead EMOMEE’s communications and PR strategy, while also leveraging its expertise in social media and digital marketing to strengthen the brand’s visibility across business, entertainment, lifestyle, parenting, education and digital media.Through the mandate, Maars Communicates, co-founded by sibling duo Mausam Shah and Aayush Shah, will work closely with the EMOMEE team to build the brand’s narrative as it expands beyond content into streaming, consumer products, licensing, live experiences and international markets. The communications strategy will also spotlight the entrepreneurial journey of founders Pooja Jauhari and Varun Duggirala, while highlighting EMOMEE’s larger vision of building an Indian-origin children’s IP with global relevance.Speaking about the mandate, Mausam Shah, Founder & Director- PR, Maars Communicates, said, “EMOMEE is an exciting example of how an Indian-origin IP can think globally from day one. We’re delighted to partner with the team to build a strong and differentiated narrative around its growth and global ambitions.”Aayush Shah, Co-Founder & Director- Digital & Business Development, Maars Communicates, added, “EMOMEE’s unique blend of entertainment, life-skill learning and global ambition makes it a compelling homegrown IP with tremendous potential. We’re excited to bring its story to wider audiences and support its growth across markets and formats.”Pooja Jauhari, Founder & CEO, EMOMEE, said, “As EMOMEE enters its next phase of growth, communications will play an important role in helping us articulate our vision of building a global children's franchise from India. Maars Communicates brings strong experience across entertainment, consumer and kids’ brands, and we look forward to working together to tell the EMOMEE story to audiences, partners and the larger ecosystem.”For Maars Communicates, the mandate further strengthens its growing portfolio across entertainment, children’s brands, consumer businesses and social-impact-led organisations. With over a decade of experience, the agency has spearheaded communications for leading brands and platforms including MX Player, EPIC Channel and IVM Podcasts, India’s podcasting pioneer, and has also handled the PR mandate for the launch of Billboard India. Its portfolio further includes marquee IPs such as the Lux Golden Rose Awards and Event Capital’s properties including WindMill Festival and PetFed.Alongside its PR and strategic communications expertise, the agency has a strong focus on social media and digital marketing, developing digital-first narratives, content strategies and audience engagement campaigns for brands across categories.Its consumer and social-impact experience includes communications for leading kids and parenting brands such as R for Rabbit and BabyOrgano, as well as social-impact initiatives of the Aditya Birla Group, including Mpower, Ujaas by Neerja Birla and Aditya Birla Education Trust. The agency has also worked on Project Naveli by Navya Naveli Nanda, which focuses on promoting gender equality and empowering women across India.The EMOMEE mandate adds another high-growth children’s entertainment brand to Maars Communicates’ portfolio and reinforces the agency’s focus on building integrated communications and digital strategies for brands at significant stages of growth, expansion and transformation.

Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) brings its third edition of PRana 2026: India Inside, a brand-India reputation summit and story convention that gathers the country’s bold thinkers, builders, and storytellers for conversations on how India’s reputation is shaped from within.As the world watches India march towards Viksit Bharat, PRana 2026 brings together the voices shaping the country’s reputation under the theme India Inside: Shaping Reputation From Within. At its heart is a simple conviction - India’s next global story will not be shaped by narrative alone, but by what India does, what its people believe, how institutions are built and which voices the world chooses to trust. Through this lens, PRana 2026 asks a defining question: What is shaping India’s reputation story?“PRana 2026 turns the lens inward this year to understand the many forces shaping India’s reputation today. From the institutions we build and the businesses we create to our culture, technology, talent and the voices that command trust, India’s reputation is being shaped in many places at once. PRana brings these perspectives together to explore what they reveal about India that the world will come to know next,” said Kunal Kishore, President, PRCAI.PRana 2026 will feature more than fifteen eminent voices across diverse spheres of influence. The prominent speaker line-up includes Manu Joseph, Columnist, Novelist and Screenwriter; Shri Abhinav Kumar, DG Intelligence & Security and DG Prisons, Uttarakhand; Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh (Retd.), Former Army Commander, Southern Command; Present Member, NSAB; Advaita Kala, Author, Columnist, Screenwriter and Founder, InkSight Advisory; Bhaskar Bhat, Former Managing Director, Titan Company; Vinay Kamath, Author of TITAN and Former Senior Associate Editor, The Hindu Business Line; Vibha Paul Rishi, Independent Director, ICICI Bank; Harish Bhat, Former Brand Custodian, Tata Sons and Bestselling Author; Harish Bijoor, Brand & Business Strategy Expert and Founder, Harish Bijoor Consults Inc.; Sahiba Bali, Actor, Marketeer and Sports Broadcaster; Vineet Nayar, Founder, Sampark Foundation and Former CEO, HCL Technologies; Aman Gupta, Co-founder, boAt and Founder, OFF/BEAT; Padma Bhushan Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Badminton Coach; Sharda Ugra, Veteran Sports Journalist; and Anjali Bansal, Partner, Avaana Capital.The story convention will feature four curated conversation tracks, namely ‘What India Says. What India Does’; ‘Trust Is Not a Campaign’; ‘The Future That Cannot Be Imported’; and ‘The People the World Already Believes In’, brought to life through fireside dialogues, in-conversation panels, and PRana’s signature 300Wise speech format, led by India’s Catalysts, Pragmatists and Pathfinders.These conversations convene reputation architects, institution-builders and cultural voices alike, from leaders asking what makes a company worth believing in, to pioneers reframing the soft power India keeps on the bench, founders decoding what young Indian brands know that incumbents miss, and voices confronting the choices India must make about AI. Together, they turn one question over from every angle - what shapes India’s reputation, and how is it built from within.PRana 2026 continues to build defining moments for the industry, bringing business leaders and communicators together to address the role reputation management will play in business growth and authentic narratives. PRCAI SPRINT 2026, the Public Relations industry’s flagship study conducted with IPSOS, finds that reputation now drives measurable business outcomes. 96% of respondents credit Public Relations with building investor confidence, an equal 96% with strengthening customer loyalty, and 83% with crisis resilience. Nearly half say Public Relations now plays a direct role in driving business results, and more than 40% report that CEOs are actively seeking strategic counsel from their communications advisors. The Indian Public Relations industry grew 11% in FY26 to ?3,230 crore and is projected to reach ?4,500 crore by 2030. “India has never had more visibility, influence or ambition. But visibility is not reputation, and ambition is not trust. Reputation Capital is built when what we promise matches what we do. PRana 2026: India Inside brings this conversation to the heart of leadership, asking whether the India we project to the world is truly reflected in the India we build at home. In an AI-transformed world, reputation is built every day and tested every hour. This is no longer the job of communicators alone; it is the defining leadership challenge of our time,” said Deeptie Sethi, CEO, PRCAI.A meticulously curated, by-invitation-only gathering of communication industry leaders, C-Suite, cultural and social architects, PRana 2026 will be held on Wednesday, 2 September 2026 at The Leela, Gurugram.

Aussie brand experience agency Darkhorse has secured the account for Veuve Clicquot’s upcoming brand activation in Australia following a competitive pitch, alongside the appointment of three senior leaders across its Asia-Pacific offices.The luxury champagne brand joins a client roster that includes Jaguar Land Rover and Sephora.To support its expansion, Darkhorse added two new experiential directors to its ANZ operations. Maxine Reed joins the Sydney office after four years leading the brand experience team at Havas Red across accounts including Lexus, Toyota, and Netflix. In Auckland, Olivia Muir joins from Mango Communications (now FleishmanHillard), bringing prior experience from McDonald’s, New Balance, and telecom provider Spark.Additionally, Elizabeth O’Leary has been named creative director in Singapore, joining from Avantgarde MENA to strengthen the agency's multidisciplinary storytelling capabilities."Darkhorse has become the brand experience agency iconic brands continue to choose across APAC," said Darkhorse founder and CEO Mike Hewitt. "Our new partnership with Veuve Clicquot, and the appointments of Maxine, Olivia and Elizabeth are all moments to celebrate."Darkhorse operates across Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, delivering brand experiences, PR, influencer marketing, and social media services. The agency is part of Project, a global network of 13 independent agencies.

Rheaa Jumaani and Mehek Singghi have launched Echo Collective, a new-age communications company bringing PR, social, digital, creators and partnerships together under one integrated strategy.  Built on a decade-long friendship and a shared vision, Echo Collective comes from the belief that need one clear story, not multiple disconnected versions of it. What started as two friends working in the same industry has evolved into a shared ambition to build a company where strategy and execution work together, relationships matter as much as results, and good stories are built to travel. The company is led by two founders with complementary experience across entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, hospitality, sports and digital platforms. Commenting on the launch, Rheaa Jumaani and Mehek Singghi, Co-Founders, Echo Collective, said, “We’ve both spent years on different sides of the same industry, building stories, launching brands and figuring out what makes people actually care. Echo Collective comes from wanting to do that work differently, with more ownership, more collaboration and fewer silos. After a decade of friendship, it felt like the right time to turn a shared vision into something of our own. We want to build a company that feels like a true partner to the people we work with, where a good idea doesn’t stop at PR or social, but finds its way into culture. At the end of the day, we want to create work that people remember, talk about and pass on.” Echo Collective currently works across PR, social and digital, with its broader model bringing together creators, partnerships and culture-led storytelling under a single strategic approach. The company is currently working with clients across entertainment, talent and emerging businesses, including Equinox Virtual, Z Studios, Manifest Films, GSEAMS Productions and artist Rani KoHEnur, among others. The company’s larger ambition is to help brands move beyond being part of the conversation to becoming part of culture, building visibility across traditional media, artificial intelligence, communities, creators and emerging platforms. 

Brand experience and communications agency DARKHORSE has strengthened its presence across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore with three senior appointments, while adding Veuve Clicquot to its client portfolio.In Sydney, Maxine Reed has joined as Experiential Director. She moves from Havas Red, where she spent four years leading the Brand Experience team and worked with brands including Lexus, Toyota, L’Oréal, Netflix, Tourism Tasmania and Apple TV+. Earlier, Reed spent five years in events and marketing roles at Amazon.Olivia Muir has joined DARKHORSE in Auckland as Experiential Director after three years at Mango Communications, now part of FleishmanHillard. Her previous client work included McDonald’s and New Balance. She also brings experience in sponsorship and brand experience from her time at Spark.In Singapore, Elizabeth O’Leary has been appointed Creative Director, completing the agency’s latest round of senior hires across the region.DARKHORSE has also won the account to lead Veuve Clicquot’s Clicquot Sun Lodge following a competitive pitch.Founder and CEO Mike Hewitt said the appointments and new partnership reflected the agency’s growth across the APAC region, adding that DARKHORSE had continued to attract global brands seeking brand experience expertise.(Source: telummedia)

Public relations veteran Sowmya Iyer today announced the official launch of House of Lakshyam, a new home-grown spice brand rooted in tradition and family recipes, with its flagship product, Idli Molaga Podi. The brand is built on a recipe that has been passed down over three generations — from her grandmother, to her mother, and now to kitchens across the country.House of Lakshyam began as a three-month pilot project, running from April to July, during which it served 500 customers across India. Encouraged by the response and the demand for authentic, homemade flavours, Iyer has now taken the brand from pilot to a full-fledged launch.For Iyer, food was never just about nourishment. Growing up, it was intertwined with family, tradition, and love — recipes made and shared the same way for decades. As modern life grew busier, she noticed a growing hunger for those authentic flavours: people craving the taste of home, without the time or knowledge to recreate it themselves. That gap between memory and modern life is what led to the idea of House of Lakshyam.“Growing up, food was never just about filling our stomachs. It was about family, tradition, love, and recipes that were passed down from one generation to another. As life became busier, I realized that many of us miss those authentic flavours. We crave food that reminds us of home, but finding that genuine homemade taste isn’t always easy. That’s when the idea of House of Lakshyam was born,” said Sowmya Iyer, Founder, House of Lakshyam.The brand's true inspiration is Iyer's Paati (grandmother) and mother, both of whom shared a simple, unwavering belief: no one who walked through their door should ever go without a meal. That instinct to feed, welcome, and care for anyone who came home is the spirit Iyer has built House of Lakshyam around. Rather than build another packaged food label, she set out to create a brand that honours heritage, kitchens, and recipes that have stood the test of time. Every House of Lakshyam product is inspired by traditional preparations, made with quality ingredients, and crafted with the same care that goes into food cooked for one's own family — starting with the brand's flagship offering, Idli Molaga Podi, spice blend made using her grandmother's original recipe.With Idli Molaga Podi as its first offering, House of Lakshyam is now available for customers looking to bring genuine, homemade taste back into their everyday meals. The brand plans to expand its range with more traditional, recipe-led spice blends in the coming months.

Lea Lee, Head of Global Communications at LG Electronics, has received the Outstanding Individual Achievement SABRE Award for her contribution to corporate communications and reputation management.Lee leads global communications for LG Electronics, overseeing executive reputation, corporate transactions and AI-driven media intelligence.Over the past decade, she has strengthened LG’s global PR operations, developed C-suite thought leadership programmes and helped position the company as a technology leader.In 2026, Lee led the development of an AI-based global media monitoring system in collaboration with LG’s AX (AI Transformation) Center. The system standardises PR performance metrics across regional offices while providing management with real-time market and competitive intelligence.She also led the global communications and messaging strategy for the LG Electronics India IPO, managing investor and media relations and positioning India as a key global manufacturing and export hub.Before joining LG Electronics, Lee worked at Edelman Korea, where she handled brand reputation and crisis communications for Fortune 500 companies. She also served as LG Electronics’ communications client lead at Hill & Knowlton.

Applications are now open for the second edition of The Leadership Accelerator by Think Equal, a dedicated six-month initiative designed to prepare senior female marketing and communications professionals in the UAE for future C-suite positions.Jointly organized by The Marketing Society UAE and communications agency Weber Shandwick MENAT, the program will select 15 women for its upcoming cohort, scheduled to run from January through June 2027. Submissions will close on September 25, 2026.Bridging the Gender Leadership GapThe program comes as industry data highlights a continued need for greater gender parity at executive levels across the region. According to the 2025 Think Equal Survey conducted by The Marketing Society and Weber Shandwick, only 27% of marketing and communications professionals in the GCC reported equal or near-equal representation of men and women within their management teams.Think Equal was created specifically to address this imbalance by equipping women with the capabilities and networks needed to step into boardrooms and top executive roles."Our mission remains to break down barriers and create more opportunities for women to step into senior leadership roles across marketing and communications," said Amina Taher, Chair of The Marketing Society UAE. "The incredible talent we saw in the first cohort showed just how important The Leadership Accelerator by Think Equal is in helping build a more equitable future for our profession."Program Structure and Participant ImpactBuilt around three core pillars — Community, Capability, and Clarity — the curriculum blends leadership workshops, virtual sessions, in-person events, and direct mentorship from prominent CEOs and Chief Marketing Officers across the GCC region.The inaugural edition of the accelerator drew over 90 applicants for its 15 available spots, with participants citing significant growth in executive confidence and strategic visibility.• Anismita Ghosh, Marketing Manager at Abu Dhabi Biobank (M42), highlighted her key takeaway from the program as understanding "the power of network, executive visibility, growth mindset, and intuitiveness about what makes female leaders different."• Roxana Nicolescu, VP of Brand Marketing, Social Media, and PR at Wego.com, described the initiative as "one of the best contributions to my personal and professional growth."Application Details• Target Audience: Senior female marketing and communications professionals based in the UAE.• Cohort Size: 15 selected candidates.• Program Duration: January – June 2027.• Deadline to Apply: September 25, 2026.

PR agency AMPR has been appointed by international architecture and design practice Plus Studio to lead its communications strategy.Under the new mandate, AMPR will oversee strategic communications, media relations, brand partnerships and events for Plus Studio.The agency’s brief will focus on strengthening Plus Studio’s profile nationally while building its thought leadership across architecture, urban design and placemaking. It will also seek to deepen the practice’s engagement with industry, media and cultural audiences.Jannah Flockhart, managing director of AMPR, said the partnership reflected the agency’s focus on working with architecture and design practices that combine creative thinking with practical delivery.The appointment comes as AMPR expands its expertise across architecture, design, property and placemaking, with the agency set to work with Plus Studio on communications around its projects, people and ideas shaping future cities and communities.(Source: telummedia)

Maars Communicates, a leading integrated communications and digital marketing agency, has been appointed as the strategic communications partner for Studio Blo, India’s AI-native content studio.The partnership comes at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the entertainment and content landscape, with Studio Blo building at the forefront of this shift. The studio explores how AI can become an integral part of the creative process from ideation and world-building to character creation, visual development and large-scale content production.Studio Blo’s work includes Warlord, an AI-driven sci-fi series created with filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, AI-powered celebrity cloning for Hardik Pandya, and cinematic campaigns including the Mumbai Indians Women’s Premier League film. With collaborators such as Shekhar Kapur, Rajkumar Hirani, Atlee and Rohit Shetty, Studio Blo is bringing AI deeper into mainstream entertainment and storytelling.The mandate further builds on Maars Communicates’ growing expertise in AI-led storytelling and entertainment. The agency has worked on pioneering projects exploring the use of AI in Indian mythology and popular culture, including AI Mahabharat and Hanuman: Chiranjeevi, alongside its work with emerging AI studios and technology-led content platforms.Founded by siblings Mausam Shah and Aayush Shah, Maars Communicates is a pan-India integrated communications and PR agency with expertise across entertainment, corporate, lifestyle, technology, AI and the creator economy. The agency manages communications for 50+ brands and businesses, with a growing focus on shaping narratives around emerging technologies and new-age businesses.Dipankar Mukherjee, Co-Founder & CEO, Studio Blo, said, “AI is fundamentally changing the way stories can be imagined, created and experienced. At Studio Blo, we are looking beyond AI as simply a production tool, we are exploring it as a new creative medium. From building characters and worlds to developing large-scale entertainment IP, our focus is on understanding what becomes possible when technology and human creativity work together. Partnering with Maars Communicates will help us take these conversations beyond the technology itself and build a larger narrative around the future of storytelling.”Mausam Shah, Founder & Director, PR, Maars Communicates, said, “AI is no longer just a technology story; it is becoming a creative and cultural story. At Maars Communicates, we have been closely involved with some of India’s early AI-led entertainment projects, and we see enormous potential in how this technology can reshape storytelling. Studio Blo is pushing that conversation forward by actually building and experimenting at the intersection of AI and entertainment. We are excited to partner with them and bring their work, vision and global ambitions to a wider audience.”Aayush Shah, Co-Founder & Director, Digital & Business Development, Maars Communicates, said, “Studio Blo represents a new generation of content creators who are using AI not simply as a production tool, but as part of the creative language itself. Our role will be to build a strong narrative around this evolution and create meaningful conversations across media, digital platforms and the wider creator ecosystem.”Through the partnership, Maars Communicates will lead Studio Blo’s strategic communications, media relations, thought leadership and digital storytelling, with a focus on positioning the studio as one of the key voices shaping the future of AI-powered entertainment in India and globally.

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) will host the 2026 MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis on September 10 at W Doha, bringing together senior leaders from government, business, media and communications to examine how the region’s influence landscape is changing.Held under the theme “The New Architecture of Influence,” the event will explore how geopolitical shifts, regional conflicts, economic uncertainty, advances in artificial intelligence and evolving media consumption habits are reshaping the way information is created, distributed and trusted.The programme will feature panel discussions and interactive conversations focused on practical experiences and emerging trends across the communications industry.Building on feedback from last year’s event, this year’s Majlis will place greater emphasis on practical application. Sessions will examine how communications teams are using AI to plan, execute and measure events, how event strategies vary across B2B, B2C and B2G environments, and how organisations can measure impact beyond attendance figures and media coverage.Justin Kerr-Stevens, Chair, MEPRA, said the role of communications has moved beyond simply managing messages. “It's no longer just about controlling the message. Increasingly, our role is to help organisations make better decisions, build trust before they need it and navigate periods of uncertainty with confidence,” he said.Kerr-Stevens added that the Qatar Leadership Majlis would bring together leaders from government, business, media and communications to share practical experiences, challenge conventional approaches and examine what the new architecture of influence means for organisations operating in the Middle East.The Majlis will also provide a forum for peer learning and candid discussion, with participants encouraged to share experiences and assess the capabilities communications teams need to remain trusted, resilient and influential.The event is targeted at senior professionals across government, business, media and communications, as well as executives responsible for reputation, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs and organisational strategy.The 2026 MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis will take place on September 10 at W Doha.

PR Companion, the communications arm of Ethane Web Technologies, has been appointed as the public relations partner of digiCloud Solutions, a Salesforce Select Partner headquartered in Pune. The engagement covers media relations, executive positioning, and thought leadership for digiCloud's founders and leadership team, with the goal of building the company’s profile across business and technology publications as it expands its enterprise CRM and agentic AI capabilities.Lalit Sharma, Founder & CEO of PR Companion and Ethane Web Technologies, said the mandate reflects the agency's push into deeper enterprise technology accounts. “A lot of B2B technology companies in India are doing genuinely strong work but stay invisible outside their own client base. digiCloud falls into that category. Over 200 implementations and 120-plus enterprise clients is not a small achievement, yet very little of that has been told publicly. We are not looking to manufacture a story here. There is enough substance in what digiCloud has built that our job is really to get it in front of the right editors and readers.”Abhijeet Kate, Co-founder and Principal Consultant at digiCloud Solutions, pointed to the gap between what vendors promise on AI and what mid-market enterprises are actually able to deploy. “Most of the conversation around agentic AI right now is still aspirational. On the ground, with the manufacturing and retail clients we work with, adoption looks very different from the pitch decks. We have some real examples worth talking about, including deployments that go well beyond a typical dashboard, and we have not done a good enough job putting that in front of the industry. This partnership is about fixing that gap.”PR Companion continues to expand its client base across sectors and is building out its team to offer a fuller range of communications services, from media relations and thought leadership to reputation management and digital PR.

Independent communications agency Adhesive has added Sydney-based UNSW College to its client roster, taking on communications duties for the launch of the institution’s new Applied Degrees offering.The agency will support the launch across media relations, corporate profiling, event management and influencer engagement, while also bringing artificial intelligence-led optimisation into the communications programme.Adhesive founder and managing director Mike Maurice said the partnership builds on the agency’s experience in telling stories around skills, employability and the changing nature of work.He described Applied Degrees as a new approach to higher education that aims to create alternative pathways into careers at a time when skills requirements and employment patterns are rapidly evolving.The engagement will also draw on Adhesive’s GEO offering, which combines AI intelligence with communications strategy and storytelling.Maurice said the agency’s approach reflects the shared emphasis of Adhesive and UNSW College on continuous learning and preparing for future changes in the workplace.The agency will use an integrated, full-channel communications strategy to build awareness of Applied Degrees among its target audiences, including people looking to upskill, career changers and school leavers.The appointment comes as education providers increasingly look beyond traditional qualifications to develop programmes focused on employability, practical skills and changing workforce requirements.For Adhesive, the UNSW College mandate expands its work in the education and skills space while providing an opportunity to apply AI-informed communications to a major education launch. (Source: telummedia.com)

Leadership and communications consultancy The Grossman Group has introduced a new advisory practice aimed at helping chief communications officers (CCOs) modernise their communications functions as the role becomes increasingly strategic amid rapid advances in AI and enterprise transformation.The new CCO Advisory is designed to support communications leaders facing rising expectations around AI adoption, employee experience, organisational change and stakeholder engagement. The firm said that while the responsibilities of CCOs have expanded significantly in recent years, many communications teams continue to operate with outdated structures, systems and measurement frameworks.The advisory service combines organisational diagnostics, strategic consulting, data-driven insights and ongoing executive support. Each engagement begins with The Grossman Group's proprietary Modernization Roadmap, an assessment framework that evaluates communications operations across seven critical areas: strategy, structure, systems, DNA, savvy, staff and skills.The assessment is intended to identify capability gaps, prioritise investments and align communications functions more closely with broader business objectives."The CCO role has elevated faster than the function has been equipped to handle it," said David Grossman, Founder and CEO of The Grossman Group. "Most CCOs know modernisation is the work. Few have a framework for sequencing it. We created The CCO Advisory to help close that gap."The Chicago-based consultancy said the new practice builds on its expertise in leadership communications, organisational culture, employee engagement and change management, and will be available to communications leaders across a range of industries.As communications leaders take on broader responsibilities spanning reputation management, internal communications, AI governance and business transformation, advisory services focused on modernising the communications function are becoming an increasingly important area of investment for enterprises.

A new study by The PR Academy MENA in Dubai confirms that the UAE has established a pioneering corporate communications framework for crisis management, built on preparedness, a proactive approach, and unified messaging. The study finds that this corporate communications model has empowered the country to transform challenges into opportunities, strengthen public trust, and reinforce the UAE's positive reputation and that of its institutions.The study revealed that corporate communications in the UAE have evolved beyond their traditional role of responding to crises to become a strategic function that shapes the media narrative through transparency, timely responses, and delivering accurate information.It found that 71% of organisations consider rapid response to be the most critical factor in containing crises, while 78% identified misinformation as the greatest communications challenge. In addition, 73% of respondents reported that their organisations had been exposed to misleading content over the past two years, underscoring the importance of having a robust corporate communications system capable of early detection and immediate intervention.The findings also showed that 84% of organisations rely on advanced media monitoring tools, while 62% use data analytics to support communications decision-making. Meanwhile, 92% confirmed that they utilise artificial intelligence technologies for content creation and analysis, thereby significantly enhancing communications professionals' ability to make informed, data-driven decisions.Commenting on the findings, Reem Masswadeh, (pictured), Founder of The PR Academy MENA, said: "The UAE’s corporate communications model in times of crisis reflects a significant transformation in media narrative management. Government entities have successfully shifted from reactive communications to proactively shaping professional narratives that strengthen public trust, support stability, and effectively counter misinformation."She added: "The UAE’s corporate communications ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in managing major crises and national events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Expo 2020 Dubai. Despite early international media coverage that questioned the country's ability to host the event, relevant authorities adopted a proactive communications strategy by amplifying international engagement, highlighting the nation's readiness, and showcasing institutional integration. This approach successfully reshaped the global narrative, reinforced confidence, and transformed challenges into an opportunity to demonstrate the UAE’s outstanding capability in delivering world-class events with professionalism and excellence."The study also revealed that the UAE’s advanced communications model is underpinned by a proactive strategy that combines transparency, rapid response, and integrated messaging, using sophisticated digital tools for media monitoring, data analysis, and content creation. This integrated approach has generated extensive media visibility and sustainable impact, further enhancing the confidence of both the public and institutional stakeholders.The research was based on a comprehensive analysis of media monitoring data gathered through specialised platforms, including Cision, alongside a survey of communications and media professionals from government and private sector organisations. The findings provide valuable insights into media coverage trends and the effectiveness of communication strategies during crises.An Advanced Communications ApproachThe study emphasised that the UAE’s success in managing numerous crises is the outcome of a comprehensive strategic vision that positions corporate communications as a leadership function influencing decision-making and reputation management.It highlighted that adopting a proactive approach founded on transparency and integrated messaging, supported by investment in advanced technologies and the development of specialised communications talent, has enabled institutions to respond to challenges with agility and efficiency, minimise their impact, and transform them into opportunities to strengthen trust at both the national and international levels.This reflects the UAE’s ability to leverage corporate communications as a vital strategic asset that supports stability and enhances national competitiveness. At the same time, it reinforces that sustaining this success will depend on advancing communications capabilities and keeping pace with the rapidly evolving global media landscape.Sustaining Media PresenceThe findings also noted that the UAE’s media performance indicators indicate a well-structured corporate communications ecosystem built on clear policies that ensure consistent messaging and sustained media engagement. This is complemented by the use of advanced monitoring and analytical tools that strengthen organisations' ability to respond swiftly to emerging developments.The study concluded that the UAE’s corporate communications experience represents a leading model founded on partnership, integration, and innovation, combining efficiency, agility, and preparedness. It reaffirms the strategic role of communications as a cornerstone of effective crisis management, reputation-building, and advancing sustainable development."The current landscape requires sustained investment in communications as a strategic partner in reputation building and trust enhancement. This can be achieved by developing integrated communications strategies based on early monitoring and rapid response, while creating compelling media narratives that showcase the UAE’s achievements and strengthen its positive image both locally and internationally," Reem Masswadeh concluded.

One2en Communications, an Integrated Communications agency, has onboarded LivLong 365 (formerly known as IIFL Insurance) and QubeHealth-Pay, which recently closed its Series A round at a ?416 Cr. valuation. Under the mandates, One2en will lead business plan communications, data-driven PR, executive profiling, media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management for both brands.LivLong 365, part of the IIFL group, is an integrated healthcare platform — doctor consultations, diagnostics, pharmacy, home healthcare, health plans and preventive wellness. With a network of over 6000+ Doctors and 30+ NABL Accredited Diagnostic Partners, Livlong's healthcare presence extends across 19000+ pincodes.Gaurav Dubey, Founder & CEO, LivLong 365, said, “At LivLong, we have a strong, close-knit presence across 800+ cities, and we’re using technology to deliver highly personalized healthcare support—building a truly connected healthcare ecosystem. That’s why we chose One2en as our communication partner. We believe they can help us tell this story in a compelling, precise way, so the work we’re proud of translates into real value for our customers. It’s a win-win for all.”QubeHealth-Pay, meanwhile, is building the healthcare payments infrastructure for India; enabling healthcare financing, insurance, and healthcare service care providers on an integrated platform. The company recently closed a Series-A funding round at a valuation of ?416 Crore, backed by the likes of Unicorn India Ventures, IA Growth Opportunities Fund, Brew Opportunities Fund, Finvolve Ventures, FirstPort Capital, Maithan Family Office, among others.Commenting on the association, Chris George, Co-Founder & Group CEO, QubeHealth-Pay, said, "At QubeHealth-Pay, we are building India's healthcare financial infrastructure layer—a healthcare payments platform that brings together patients, employers, healthcare providers, insurers, and financial institutions into a single ecosystem. Our mission is to remove the financial friction that often stands between families and timely healthcare. We believe healthcare should never be delayed or denied because of the way people pay for it, and we're committed to transforming how India pays for healthcare."Saksham Srivastava, Founder, One2en Communications, commented: "India's healthcare sector has entered the next phase of growth, where trust has become as important as technology. As innovation accelerates, the brands that communicate with clarity and credibility will lead the conversation. We're excited to partner with LivLong 365 and QubeHealth-Pay to build narratives that strengthen reputation, foster stakeholder confidence and support long-term business growth."

Integrated public relations and communications agency The Hype Studio has secured the public relations and communications mandate for TalentGum, a leading online platform for live extracurricular activities and skill-building courses for children. Under the mandate, the agency will drive strategic communications, media relations, thought leadership, and brand storytelling to strengthen TalentGum’s presence in India’s growing edtech and extracurricular learning space.TalentGum has built a strong reputation for helping children discover, develop, and shine through live, interactive classes across dance, chess, AI-ML, art & craft, keyboard, and more. Trusted by thousands of parents across the globe, the platform combines expert-led instruction with a structured curriculum designed to build creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence in young learners. As part of the partnership, The Hype Studio's efforts will span media outreach, founder positioning, and content-led storytelling to help TalentGum engage more meaningfully with parents and educators, while spotlighting its growth milestones and expanding global footprint to industry and business audiences.Commenting on the partnership, Aman Uppal, Head, Strategy & Business, The Hype Studio, said, “Parents today are looking beyond academics to platforms that help children build real-world skills, confidence, and self-expression. TalentGum has created a meaningful space where children can explore their talents and grow through consistent, expert-led learning. We are excited to partner with the brand and look forward to building impactful narratives that strengthen its leadership and accelerate its growth journey.”Speaking on the association, Saunak Ghosh, Co-Founder & CEO, TalentGum, said, “At TalentGum, our mission has always been to turn screen time into skill time for children across the world. As we continue to expand our curriculum-led course offerings and global footprint, strategic communication becomes essential to how we connect with parents and educators. We are delighted to partner with The Hype Studio and are confident that their expertise in media communications and public relations will help us reach wider audiences while reinforcing our commitment to nurturing young talent.”The partnership reflects a shared vision of fostering meaningful conversations around child development, extracurricular learning, and holistic growth. Through strategic storytelling and integrated communications, The Hype Studio will work closely with TalentGum to elevate its market presence, deepen stakeholder engagement, and further establish the brand as a leading player in the global online extracurricular learning space.

Australian public relations agency Eight Communications has been appointed as the agency of record for Andaz Gold Coast, ahead of the launch of the first Andaz branded hotel in Australia.Under the appointment, Eight Communications will lead the hotel's integrated communications strategy, overseeing media relations, brand storytelling, influencer engagement, partnerships, media familiarisation programmes and launch events. The agency will also support the property's long-term brand positioning following its opening.The partnership marks a significant milestone for both organisations, with the debut of Hyatt's lifestyle-focused Andaz brand in the Australian market expected to attract strong interest from the travel and hospitality sectors.Angela Cowley, Managing Director of Eight Communications, described the appointment as an opportunity to introduce an internationally recognised hotel brand to Australia while highlighting the distinctive character of the Gold Coast. She said the communications programme will focus on showcasing the destination's local culture, experiences, culinary offerings and community connections that define the new property.Saraid Carey, General Manager of Andaz Gold Coast, said Eight Communications shares the hotel's vision of launching the brand in a way that feels authentic to both the destination and the Andaz identity. She added that the partnership will help spotlight the people, stories and experiences that offer visitors a uniquely local perspective of the Gold Coast.The appointment comes as Andaz prepares to establish its presence in Australia, with strategic communications expected to play a central role in building awareness ahead of the hotel's opening.(Source: telummedia.com)

Australian creative agency Thinkerbell has introduced Hi-Vis, a new service designed to help brands measure and improve how they are interpreted and recommended by artificial intelligence platforms.The offering is aimed at addressing the growing influence of AI-powered search and recommendation tools, where consumers increasingly ask AI assistants what to buy, where to travel or which brands to trust—often making decisions before visiting traditional search results or websites.According to Thinkerbell, Hi-Vis evaluates a brand's AI presence across three core areas. Fuel measures the information a brand publishes on its own channels, Fluency assesses how easily AI systems can discover and understand that information, while Fame examines how the brand is discussed by third-party sources such as media outlets, communities and other independent platforms.The assessment generates a single Hi-Vis Score, allowing businesses to compare their AI visibility with competing brands across major AI ecosystems.Dan Monheit, Chief CX Thinker at Thinkerbell, said AI has become a new decision-maker in the customer journey, making it increasingly important for brands to build credibility beyond their owned channels. He noted that AI models tend to favour brands that are widely recognised, consistently discussed and supported by reliable third-party information rather than relying solely on marketing claims.Chief Tinker Tom Wenborn added that many businesses mistakenly view AI optimisation as a purely technical exercise. Instead, he argued that AI systems place greater weight on genuine reputation, media coverage and public conversation, making authentic brand recognition more valuable than technical optimisation alone.With Hi-Vis, Thinkerbell aims to help marketers understand how AI platforms perceive their brands and identify opportunities to strengthen visibility as AI-driven discovery continues to reshape digital marketing.(Source: telummedia.com)

Australian PR and communications agency Compass Studio has expanded its client portfolio with the addition of three brands spanning the beverage, fashion and safety industries, reflecting continued momentum for the agency.The new accounts include Modus Brewing, creator of the non-alcoholic beer brand NORT, Australian swimwear label Budgy Smuggler, and global first aid products brand SURVIVAL.As part of the partnership with Modus Brewing, Compass Studio will lead communications for NORT, highlighting the brand's growth in the alcohol-free beer category and sharing the story of founders Jaz and Grant Wearin.For SURVIVAL, the agency has been tasked with raising awareness of the company's first aid product range while showcasing the brand's nearly four-decade history of delivering safety solutions.Compass Studio is also supporting Budgy Smuggler's Father's Day marketing campaign, Budgy By You, which allows customers to transform their own drawings into custom-printed swimwear, creating personalised gifts for the occasion through new printing technology.Commenting on the appointments, Emma Butler, PR Account Director at Compass Studio, said the diverse client roster reflects the agency's passion for telling meaningful brand stories across different industries. She added that the team is excited to work with innovative brands and help bring their stories to media audiences in the months ahead.The trio of client wins marks another growth milestone for Compass Studio as it strengthens its presence across consumer lifestyle and brand communications.(Source: Telummedia)

Punt Creative has been appointed as the communications partner for PizzaExpress India following a competitive multi-agency pitch. Under the mandate, Punt Creative will lead the brand's communication and digital strategy, social media, content, and integrated campaign development. The agency will be responsible for strengthening PizzaExpress India's digital presence, developing its content ecosystem, and creating culturally relevant campaigns that deepen consumer engagement across platforms. Speaking on the partnership, Harsh Shah, Managing Director, Punt Creative, said, "PizzaExpress is a brand with incredible heritage and a strong point of view on food, culture, and dining experiences. We are delighted to partner with the team in India and look forward to creating meaningful campaigns and consumer conversations that strengthen the brand's presence and engagement across digital platforms." Shambhavi Mishra, Group Head of Marketing, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said, "As PizzaExpress continues to strengthen its brand and deepen connections with today's consumers, we were looking for a partner that could combine strategic thinking with culturally relevant creativity. Punt Creative demonstrated a strong understanding of our brand, audience, and ambitions for the digital space. We look forward to collaborate with the team to create meaningful conversations, memorable campaigns, and experiences that resonate with our consumers." The appointment comes at a time when PizzaExpress continues to exapand its footprint in India, bringing its signature handcrafted pizzas and contemporary dining experience to consumers across key markets while strengthening its digital-first brand narrative. Founded in London in 1965, PizzaExpress is the UK's No.1 pizza brand, known for its signature handcrafted pizzas, contemporary dining experience, and rich heritage. As the brand continues to grow in India, it remains focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences while building stronger connections with consumers across markets. Led by founders Madhu Sudan and Priyanka Agrawal, Punt Creative has built a reputation for creating business-impacting work across brand strategy, creative, content, social, influencer marketing, technology, and digital transformation. The agency currently works with leading brands across categories including brands lifestyle, food & beverage, healthcare, and consumer products. In India, PizzaExpress operates 38 restaurants across nine cities, spanning metros and select tier-2 markets. GIHG also manages other international restaurant brands, including Olive Garden, Chilli's and P.F. Chang's.

Mumbai-based PR consultancy ElleQuinn Communications today announced that it has joined the Talacom International Network, a global alliance of independent communications consultancies, as its 15th partner agency. This strategic alliance expands ElleQuinn's global footprint and strengthens its ability to support clients with international perspectives, cross-market insights, and trusted communications expertise across multiple geographical regions.Talacom International Network is recognised for its strength in the B2B sector, with deep expertise in crisis management and reputation management across multiple geographies. The alliance brings together partner agencies across Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, with ElleQuinn further strengthening its presence in South Asia. Through this collaboration, member agencies can provide clients with seamless cross-border support, combining global perspectives with localised execution.“We are excited to join the Talacom family,” said Michelle Pereira, Co-Founder & Director, ElleQuinn Communications. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering world-class communications solutions that blend deep local insight with global best practices. Together, we will help clients build resilient reputations and navigate complexity with confidence.”"The Talacom International Network has been carefully built over many years in response to client needs, and we've always been highly selective about the agencies we invite to join, choosing partners that share our values and commitment to exceptional client service,” said Andrew Baud, CEO of Talacom.

Apostrophe Ventures, the integrated communications consultancy, has been appointed as the corporate and brand communications partner for Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TI), one of India's leading alcoholic beverage companies. This prestigious mandate was won following a multi-agency pitch process. As part of the mandate, Apostrophe Ventures will lead Tilaknagar Industries' integrated corporate communications and PR programme, with a focus on strengthening the company's corporate reputation, executive visibility, financial communications, thought leadership and strategic media engagement. The partnership will also encompass corporate social media strategy to build a cohesive narrative across mediums. The appointment comes at a defining phase in Tilaknagar Industries' growth journey as the company continues to strengthen its premium portfolio, expand its national footprint, deepen its market leadership and shape the next chapter of premium Indian spirits. This new dynamic and confident play for the future will be supported by innovative and impactful campaigns. The Apostrophe Ventures team will also manage their flagship brands including Mansion House and Imperial Blue to ensure their category leadership is solidified across the country. Ameya Deshpande, Chief Strategy Officer, Tilaknagar Industries, said: “As Tilaknagar Industries continues its growth trajectory, corporate communications is going to play an increasingly important role. We have always believed in consistency and have built a solid reputation but we felt the need for an agency partner who would elevate this function. The Apostrophe Ventures team demonstrated deep experience, a strong understanding of the industry, our business and our ambitions and I am delighted to work with such an experienced and committed team and leadership." Ahmed Rahimtoola, Chief Marketing Officer, Tilaknagar Industries, adds, “Our brands are the pillars of our success. The importance of communicating a modern and compelling brand story for an iconic brand like Mansion House and the power of a newer addition to our portfolio Imperial Blue is a strategic imperative. In a cluttered environment with highly fragmented media, Apostrophe Ventures innovative thinking stood out as did their ability to execute meticulously. I am proud to partner them.” Commenting on the partnership, Ameer Ismail, Founder, Apostrophe Ventures, said: "Tilaknagar Industries has one of the most compelling growth stories in the Indian alcobev sector today. It is a dynamic company with strong brands, an ambitious leadership team, an audacious vision and has great values at its core. We are delighted to partner with them at this pivotal stage and craft and communicate a new positioning narrative that reflects this ambition and opens up new possibilities through our work." The mandate will be led by Apostrophe Ventures' senior leadership team, bringing together expertise across corporate reputation, media relations, executive positioning, digital communications and integrated storytelling.Founded by Ameer Ismail after nearly 3 decades of building some of India's most admired brands and businesses, Apostrophe Ventures partners with organisations to create integrated reputation strategies spanning corporate communications, public relations, digital influence, executive positioning and strategic counsel. The Tilaknagar Industries mandate further strengthens Apostrophe Ventures' growing portfolio of clients across corporate, consumer and emerging business sectors.

FTI Consulting, Inc. has released financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.Second quarter 2026 record revenues of $993.5 million increased $49.8 million, or 5.3%, compared to revenues of $943.7 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily driven by revenue growth in the Corporate Finance, Technology and Forensic and Litigation Consulting segments, which was partially offset by a $9.2 million decline in pass-through revenues. Net income of $57.8 million compared to $71.7 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease in net income was primarily due to higher direct costs, selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses and interest expense, which was partially offset by the increase in revenues and a lower income tax provision. Adjusted EBITDA of $104.5 million, or 10.5% of revenues, compared to $111.6 million, or 11.8% of revenues, in the prior year quarter. Second quarter 2026 Adjusted EBITDA excludes $6.6 million of Extraordinary Litigation-Related Expenses.1 Second quarter 2026 EPS of $1.99 compared to $2.13 in the prior year quarter. Second quarter 2026 EPS included the aforementioned Extraordinary Litigation-Related Expenses, which reduced EPS by $0.17. Second quarter Adjusted EPS of $2.16 compared to $2.13 in the prior year quarter.Steven H. Gunby, CEO and Chairman of FTI Consulting, commented: “Our performance this quarter demonstrates, once again, the underlying power of this institution and the resilience created by our sustained, multiyear investments in great talent. As clients face ever more complicated and disrupted environments, the depth and breadth of our capabilities across our global platform are increasingly relevant. Though the event-driven nature of our business means we will always have zigs and zags someplace around the world, we continue to feel confident and excited about our multiyear trajectory.”Cash Position and Capital AllocationNet cash provided by operating activities of $152.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 compared to $55.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The year-over-year increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to higher cash collections and a decrease in forgivable loan issuances and income tax payments, which was partially offset by an increase in operating expense and compensation payments.On June 3, 2026, FTI Consulting’s Board of Directors authorized the additional amount of $370.0 million to repurchase its outstanding shares of common stock under its stock repurchase program. During the quarter ended June 30, 2026, the Company repurchased 2,591,133 shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $150.84 for a total cost of $390.9 million. As of June 30, 2026, approximately $344.0 million remained available for common stock repurchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program.Cash and cash equivalents of $163.7 million at June 30, 2026 compared to $152.8 million at June 30, 2025 and $198.3 million at March 31, 2026. Total debt, net of cash, of $856.3 million at June 30, 2026 compared to $317.2 million at June 30, 2025 and $556.7 million at March 31, 2026. The sequential increase in total debt, net of cash, was primarily due to share repurchases.Second Quarter 2026 Segment ResultsCorporate FinanceRevenues in the Corporate Finance segment increased $32.2 million, or 8.5%, to $411.4 million in the quarter compared to $379.2 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher realized bill rates for transactions, transformation and turnaround & restructuring services, an increase in demand for transformation services, and higher success fees, which was partially offset by lower demand for turnaround & restructuring services. Segment operating income of $82.5 million compared to $78.1 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $86.0 million, or 20.9% of segment revenues, compared to $81.7 million, or 21.5% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues, which was partially offset by an increase in compensation, which includes the impact of a 7.8% increase in billable headcount, and higher SG&A expenses.Forensic and Litigation ConsultingRevenues in the Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment increased $7.7 million, or 4.1%, to $194.3 million in the quarter compared to $186.5 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher realized bill rates and demand for risk & investigations services, which was partially offset by lower demand for dispute advisory services. Segment operating income of $29.2 million compared to $29.1 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $31.4 million, or 16.1% of segment revenues, compared to $31.2 million, or 16.7% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues, which was nearly offset by an increase in compensation, which includes the impact of a 3.0% increase in billable headcount, and higher SG&A expenses.Economic ConsultingRevenues in the Economic Consulting segment decreased $2.8 million, or 1.5%, to $188.8 million in the quarter compared to $191.7 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower demand for non-merger and acquisition (“M&A”)-related antitrust and international arbitration services, which was partially offset by higher demand for M&A-related antitrust services and higher realized bill rates for financial economics services. Segment operating income of $7.4 million compared to $12.8 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $8.8 million, or 4.7% of segment revenues, compared to $14.2 million, or 7.4% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The decrease in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to lower revenues and higher compensation.TechnologyRevenues in the Technology segment increased $15.4 million, or 18.4%, to $99.0 million in the quarter compared to $83.6 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand for M&A-related “second request” services, which was partially offset by lower demand for investigations services. Segment operating income of $4.8 million compared to $1.6 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $9.1 million, or 9.1% of segment revenues, compared to $5.3 million, or 6.3% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues, which was partially offset by an increase in compensation, which includes higher as-needed consultant costs, and higher SG&A expenses.Strategic CommunicationsRevenues in the Strategic Communications segment decreased $2.7 million, or 2.6%, to $100.0 million in the quarter compared to $102.7 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a $7.4 million decline in pass-through revenues. Excluding pass-through revenues, revenues increased $4.7 million, or 5.4%, primarily due to higher demand for corporate reputation services. Segment operating income of $17.4 million compared to $17.5 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $18.5 million, or 18.5% of segment revenues, compared to $18.5 million, or 18.0% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter.

Confidence in corporate leaders remains weak in the United States, with crisis management, workplace transparency and consistency emerging as key drivers of corporate reputation, according to a new study by global communications firm Burson.The inaugural Burson Pulse survey, conducted in April among 1,601 U.S. adults, found that only 19% of respondents expressed confidence in CEOs, while 18% said they trusted large corporations—levels comparable to public confidence in the U.S. Congress.The research also found that trust can erode in different ways. Nearly half (48%) of respondents said their confidence in a company had faded gradually over time without a defining incident, while 52% said a single event had caused them to lose trust instantly.The findings come amid growing economic uncertainty. Around 67% of respondents believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while 81% cited the rising cost of living and inflation as major concerns. Economic anxiety has also influenced consumer behaviour, with 61% saying they are saving more and paying closer attention to how companies conduct themselves. Meanwhile, 81% believe political dysfunction in Washington is making it more difficult for businesses to plan, invest and operate effectively.The survey also highlighted widespread scepticism toward corporate leadership. Nearly seven in ten respondents (69%) believe CEOs prioritise their personal brands over their companies' missions, while 89% feel influential individuals often avoid consequences for actions that would cost ordinary employees their jobs.Corporate responses during crises play a crucial role in shaping public perception. About 87% of respondents said a company's handling of a crisis reveals more about its values than its behaviour during normal times. However, 80% believe most organisations rely on public relations spin instead of genuine transparency when responding to crises. Nearly half (46%) said they had boycotted a company because of a single incident.The study also revealed a contrast between employee confidence in their workplaces and perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Among employed respondents, 92% expressed confidence in their employer and 91% viewed their workplace culture positively. However, only 30% strongly agreed that their employer was transparent about AI's potential impact on jobs, while 78% said AI is advancing faster than businesses and governments can manage responsibly.On corporate advocacy, respondents distinguished between issues affecting employees and broader political debates. While 86% said companies should speak out when public policies negatively affect employees or communities, 71% expressed greater confidence in leaders who avoid political controversies. Additionally, 76% said they lose respect for CEOs who change their public positions in response to external pressure.The online survey was conducted between April 22 and April 30, 2026, among 1,601 U.S. adults aged 18 and above, including an oversample of employed Americans aged 21 to 55. Burson said it plans to conduct a second wave of the research following the U.S. midterm elections.

In a move that has quickly become the talk of the office, Sakshi Singh, Founder and Director of ASPR Communications, has announced a company-wide holiday on July 30th, timed to coincide with one of the year's most anticipated theatrical releases. As part of the initiative, ASPR Communications will also reimburse movie ticket costs for every employee who chooses to attend a screening.The decision follows weeks of growing enthusiasm among staff, with conversations about the film's release spilling into break rooms, internal chat channels, and everyday water-cooler talk. Rather than let the moment pass, Ms. Singh saw an opportunity to convert genuine employee excitement into a meaningful, shared experience for the entire ASPR Communications team."We are always looking for ways to connect with what our people genuinely care about," said Sakshi Singh, Founder and Director of ASPR Communications. "When we saw how much excitement this release was generating across teams, it felt like the right moment to do something different, not just acknowledge the moment, but actually give our people the time and support to enjoy it."The initiative includes two core components:Company-wide holiday: Every employee, across all departments and levels, will receive a fully paid day off on July 30th.Movie ticket reimbursement: Employees who choose to watch the film will have their ticket costs reimbursed, with claim instructions to be shared directly by the ASPR Communications HR team.Employee response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Several staff members noted that the gesture reflects a broader shift in how the company approaches culture and morale, treating shared cultural moments as opportunities for genuine connection rather than routine calendar events."It is not every day your workplace treats a movie release like a company holiday," said one employee. "It made us feel seen."Ms. Singh has indicated that this initiative is part of a broader effort at ASPR Communications to introduce more employee-centered perks throughout the year, with additional culture-driven programs expected to be announced in the coming months.

Subway has expanded its partnership with Tonic Communications, appointing the agency as its public relations agency of record in Australia following four years of collaboration in New Zealand.Under the expanded remit, Tonic Communications will lead earned media, strategic communications and experiential campaigns for Subway Australia, extending a relationship that began in New Zealand in 2022.The appointment marks another milestone in Tonic's Australian growth strategy, following the recent launch of its Brisbane office and the appointment of Amelia Oberhardt as Media and Communications Director. Oberhardt, who previously served as Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Subway Australia and New Zealand, will oversee the day-to-day management of the account alongside Tonic's trans-Tasman team.Georgia Coleman, Managing Director of Tonic Communications Australia and New Zealand, said the agency's longstanding relationship with the brand positions it well to support Subway's communications ambitions in Australia."We're incredibly proud to be expanding our partnership with Subway into Australia," Coleman said. "Over the past several years we've developed a deep understanding of the brand, its franchise network and the customers at the heart of the business. That foundation allows us to hit the ground running in Australia and create moments that deliver impact from day one."Coleman added that the expanded remit reflects the strength of the partnership the agency has built with Subway over the past four years.Tonic Communications has worked with Subway New Zealand since 2022, delivering a range of integrated campaigns and brand activations, including the quick service restaurant chain's 60th anniversary celebrations last year.Kerrie Hockless, Head of Brand Marketing for Subway Australia and New Zealand, said Tonic had become an integral extension of the brand's marketing team through its work across the New Zealand business."Their expertise and deep understanding of both the Australian and New Zealand markets made expanding the partnership an easy decision," Hockless said. "Tonic continue to deliver fresh thinking and strong results, and we're excited about what's next."The expanded appointment comes as brands increasingly seek agency partners capable of delivering integrated communications strategies across multiple markets. Tonic's trans-Tasman model is expected to provide Subway with greater alignment across its Australian and New Zealand operations while leveraging the agency's growing capabilities in earned media, strategic communications and experiential marketing.Tonic Communications is part of marketing services group Attivo, whose portfolio includes agencies 303, Mediahub, Farrimond, DNY and Hill Holliday across Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Bastion Insights has launched Bastion Vantage, a new AI-powered digital intelligence offering designed to help organisations better understand online behaviours, cultural shifts and emerging consumer sentiment through a combination of artificial intelligence and human expertise.The new service brings together AI capabilities with the judgement and strategic thinking of senior researchers to analyse online conversations and deliver actionable digital intelligence for organisations. It has been developed to complement traditional research methodologies and social listening tools by providing ongoing insights into cultural trends, sentiment and behavioural changes.According to Bastion Insights, Bastion Vantage enables organisations to identify commercial opportunities, reputation risks and shifts in consumer behaviour, helping businesses make more informed strategic decisions in an increasingly complex digital environment.The platform's capabilities span a range of business applications, including brand strategy, communications development, innovation, trend forecasting and reputation management.Cheuk Chiang, Group CEO of Bastion, said the launch reflects the company's continued investment in developing integrated solutions that enable clients to anticipate and respond to change more effectively."Innovation has always been about creating better outcomes for our clients. Bastion Vantage is an important addition to our integrated offering, bringing together AI and human expertise to help organisations navigate complexity with greater confidence. It's another example of how we're evolving our capabilities to keep our clients in a position of strength," Chiang said.Joanne Norton, Managing Director of Bastion Insights, said the new offering addresses one of the biggest challenges facing marketers as they grapple with an abundance of data but limited actionable insights."Marketers are drowning in metrics and starving for meaning. Data can tell you what happened, but insight explains why it happened and, more importantly, what to do next. Bastion Vantage combines the speed and scale of AI with the judgement of experienced researchers to ask better questions, uncover the human truths behind consumer behaviour and give our clients the clarity and confidence to make smarter decisions," Norton said.The launch comes at a time when organisations are increasingly looking beyond conventional social listening tools to gain deeper contextual understanding of consumer behaviour and cultural trends. By combining AI-driven analysis with human interpretation, Bastion Vantage aims to provide businesses with continuous intelligence that can inform both strategic planning and day-to-day decision-making.

The Other Circle (TOC) has been appointed as the communications and public relations partner for the fourth edition of CultureCon, India's flagship conference dedicated to the creative economy.The two-day conference will be held on August 6-7 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai and is presented by Art X Company and Festivals From India in partnership with the NCPA. This year's edition is centred on the theme, "Creative Economy: Culture, Capital, Commerce and Careers," and will bring together artists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and cultural leaders to discuss the future of India's creative industries.As part of its mandate, TOC will lead strategic communications, media relations, narrative development and thought leadership initiatives for the event. The agency will focus on amplifying conversations around India's growing creative economy across business, policy, education and cultural sectors.The appointment further strengthens TOC's portfolio across culture, entertainment and consumer brands and reflects its positioning at the intersection of business, storytelling and the arts."CultureCon is asking one of the most important questions facing India's creative sector today: what does it take to build sustainable creative careers?" said Aakanksha Gupta, Founder and CEO of The Other Circle."At TOC, we believe the creative economy deserves the same strategic storytelling that technology, finance and startups have benefited from over the past decade."CultureCon has emerged as a platform for examining the economic and social impact of India's creative industries, with this year's conference expected to explore how cultural enterprises can create sustainable opportunities across sectors ranging from the arts and media to design, entrepreneurship and innovation.Rashmi Dhanwani, Founder-Director of Art X Company and Festivals From India, said TOC's understanding of both culture and strategic communications made the agency a natural fit as the conference seeks to broaden its influence and reach.According to UNESCO, the creative economy contributes approximately 3.1% of global GDP and accounts for 6.2% of global employment. The sector is also one of the world's largest employers of young people, employing more individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 than any other industry.The growing prominence of India's creative economy has further elevated discussions around cultural entrepreneurship, intellectual property, creative careers and investment in the arts, making platforms such as CultureCon increasingly relevant for stakeholders across industries.By bringing together voices from culture, business and policy, CultureCon 2026 aims to contribute to a broader conversation about building a more sustainable and globally competitive creative economy for India.

Omnicom reported $679.1 million in public relations revenue for the second quarter of 2026, making PR its third-largest business discipline and accounting for 11.3% of the company's $6 billion in core operations revenue.The results mark Omnicom's second full quarter since completing its merger with Interpublic Group (IPG) on November 26, underscoring the scale of the combined communications and marketing services business.Integrated media remained Omnicom's largest revenue contributor during the quarter, generating $3.1 billion, or 52.5% of core operations revenue, followed by advertising at $942.6 million, representing 15.7%. Public relations narrowly outperformed experiential and other services, which contributed $669.2 million, or 11.2% of revenue, while the health segment generated $555.9 million, or 9.3%.Omnicom did not disclose year-on-year growth figures for its public relations business. While the company presented its overall core operations performance against combined Omnicom and IPG results from the second quarter of 2025, the discipline-level breakdown was limited to second-quarter 2026 revenues.Overall, core operations revenue grew 7.2% year-on-year to $6 billion compared with the combined Omnicom and IPG revenue recorded during the same period last year. The increase comprised 6.1% organic growth and a 1.1% benefit from foreign currency translation.The United States continued to be Omnicom's largest market, accounting for $3.5 billion, or 59% of total core operations revenue. Europe, excluding the UK, contributed 13.8%, followed by the UK at 9.3% and Asia-Pacific at 9%.Profitability also improved during the quarter. Adjusted EBITA from core operations rose to $1.07 billion from $887.4 million on a combined basis a year earlier, while the adjusted EBITA margin increased to 17.8% from 15.9%, primarily driven by cost-reduction synergies following the IPG acquisition.The company excluded $87.1 million in integration-related expenses from adjusted EBITA, including costs associated with the IPG transaction, acquisitions, severance and business repositioning initiatives.On a reported basis, Omnicom's revenue increased to $6.56 billion from $4.02 billion in the prior-year period, largely reflecting the impact of the IPG acquisition and constant-currency growth. Operating income rose to $922.5 million from $439.2 million, while net income more than doubled to $584.8 million from $257.6 million. Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 29.3% to $2.65.Commenting on the results, CEO John Wren said the performance reflects continued momentum across the combined organisation, driven by organic growth, margin expansion and clients consolidating more of their business with Omnicom.The latest results offer an early indication of how Omnicom's expanded portfolio is shaping up following its integration with IPG, with public relations continuing to represent a significant contributor to the group's overall revenue mix.

Team Lewis has been appointed the public relations agency of record for e-commerce platform Lazada Malaysia following a competitive pitchLazada Malaysia is planning to further strengthen its brand positioning amid the continued expansion of Malaysia's digital commerce market.Under the mandate, Team Lewis will lead Lazada Malaysia's integrated communications programme, encompassing media relations, press office management, campaign communications and thought leadership initiatives. The agency will also oversee strategic storytelling, media engagement and brand activations aimed at strengthening connections with both consumers and sellers on the platform.The appointment comes as Lazada continues to invest in innovation and customer experience, including the introduction of its AI-powered shopping assistant, Lazzie, designed to deliver more personalised and intuitive shopping experiences in an increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape.Ann Chong, Managing Director, AI and Client Solutions, APAC at Team Lewis, said brands today require sustained and integrated communications strategies that go beyond individual campaigns."As the e-commerce landscape becomes more dynamic, brands need to show up with clarity, consistency and relevance across multiple touchpoints," she said. "We are excited to partner with Lazada Malaysia, which is strong in both innovation and market presence. We see an opportunity to further strengthen its narrative through integrated, always-on communications that connect with audiences in a more meaningful way."The partnership is already underway, with Team Lewis having supported communications for Lazada Malaysia's recent 6.6 Super Wow Sales campaign.The Lazada Malaysia win further strengthens Team Lewis Malaysia's growing portfolio of consumer and digital brands and comes as the agency continues to expand its capabilities across Southeast Asia.Earlier this year, Team Lewis announced key leadership changes in Malaysia, appointing Daniel Wong as Director of its Malaysian operations while promoting Ann Chong to the newly created role of Managing Director, AI and Client Solutions, APAC.Wong joined the agency from DNA Creative Communications and is responsible for overseeing Team Lewis Malaysia's operations, commercial growth and strategic direction. Reporting to Senior Vice President Keso Kendall, he will lead initiatives focused on strengthening the agency's market position, deepening client relationships and expanding its integrated communications capabilities.Meanwhile, Chong's expanded regional role reflects Team Lewis' growing focus on AI-enabled client solutions. Based in Malaysia, she now leads the expansion of the agency's AI capabilities and proprietary Sidekick services across Asia-Pacific, working closely with clients to develop AI-driven communications strategies and support regional growth initiatives.The Lazada Malaysia mandate underscores the increasing importance of integrated, always-on communications strategies as brands compete for consumer attention in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing digital commerce markets.

Primex Media Services has been appointed to manage the digital public relations mandate for Parul University, the NAAC A++ accredited multidisciplinary university based in Vadodara.As part of the mandate, Primex Media Services will facilitate the digital dissemination of the University's corporate announcements, institutional updates and media releases across leading online news platforms, strengthening the reach of its communications among key stakeholders.Commenting on the association, Pujan Shah, Head – Outreach & Public Relations, Parul University, said, "As a globally focused institution, we are committed to strengthening our digital presence and engaging with audiences across geographies. While our communication strategy continues to be driven in-house, we believe strategic collaborations play an important role in expanding the reach of our institutional communications. Primex Media Services will support us in strengthening our digital media outreach, enabling us to effectively showcase the University's academic excellence, institutional milestones, student and faculty achievements, as well as the impact of our research, innovation, industry collaborations and community initiatives to a wider audience."Speaking on the mandate, Ankur Parikh, Account Director, Primex Media Services, said, "We are delighted to partner with Parul University and support its digital public relations initiatives. Our focus will be on ensuring timely and effective dissemination of the University's announcements across relevant digital media platforms, helping enhance the visibility of its achievements and initiatives among diverse audiences."Established as a university in 2015, Parul University offers more than 450 programmes across 20 faculties and is home to students from over 75 countries. The University has been awarded NAAC A++ accreditation, the highest grade conferred on higher education institutions in India, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation and global engagement.Primex Media Services is an integrated public relations and strategic communications consultancy offering media relations, digital PR, corporate communications, reputation management and strategic outreach solutions across sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, real estate, consumer brands and corporate enterprises. The Parul University mandate further strengthens the agency's growing presence in the education sector.

Ariff Communications has announced a series of new client wins and partnership renewals, including a one year communications mandate from JETOUR Malaysia.As part of the appointment, the agency will support JETOUR Malaysia's communications efforts, with a focus on strengthening the automotive brand's visibility and brand awareness in the local market.The agency has also renewed its partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board for another two years. The renewed mandate will see Ariff Communications continue supporting the tourism board's communications efforts in Malaysia from 2026 to 2028. Over the past year, the agency has worked on media engagement, influencer collaborations and market led storytelling initiatives for the tourism board.In addition, Ariff Communications will continue its partnership with Hisense until 2027, extending its role in managing the brand's communications in Malaysia.Commenting on the developments, Aisya Hashim, Director at Ariff Communications, said, "Brands today are not only looking for visibility. They are looking for relevance, trust and communications that can move with the pace of culture."She added, "These wins and renewals mean a lot to us because they reflect both new confidence in our capabilities and the trust we have built with long term partners. Whether we are working with an automotive brand, a tourism board, an airline, a consumer technology company or an F&B brand, our role remains the same: to help brands tell stories that matter to the audiences they serve."

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has appointed We. Communications as its public relations partner and GOVT VCCP as the lead integrated campaign agency to support Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, following a competitive pitch process.As part of the mandate, GOVT VCCP will lead the integrated campaign strategy, while We. Communications will oversee earned media and public relations. The two agencies have been appointed as a consortium to deliver communications across creative, content and media in support of the ASEAN Economic Community pillar.Commenting on the appointment, Daryl Ho, Managing Director, We. Communications Singapore, said, "Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship presents an opportunity for the region's priorities and progress to resonate beyond the room, and we are grateful for MTI's trust in us to help amplify that story."He added, "This creative and communications collaboration with GOVT VCCP strengthens our ability to offer clients an integrated model that combines creative thinking with communications strategy, helping ideas move seamlessly from concept to conversation."

The Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) has appointed independent communications consultancy Sunny Side Up to lead communications for its Feeding Britain's Future workforce campaign following a competitive pitch.The campaign is designed to address skills shortages across the UK food and drink sector by encouraging more young people to explore careers in the industry. It aims to engage every UK secondary school by 2030, reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and help strengthen the sector's future workforce.The account will be led by Senior Account Director Antonia Paget and Strategy Director Nick Woods. They will work closely with IGD Chief Marketing Officer Kirsty Saddler and Head of Corporate Communications Suzanne McClelland.Commenting on the appointment, Kirsty Saddler said the agency was selected for its understanding of the food industry and its ability to connect with younger audiences. She noted that while the food and drink industry employs one in eight people, it continues to face a shortage of young talent. She added that Sunny Side Up demonstrated the strategic insight and sector expertise required to support the campaign's objectives.Nick Woods, Strategy Director at Sunny Side Up, said the agency is looking forward to contributing to a campaign focused on addressing workforce shortages across the UK's food system. He said the communications strategy will focus on reaching young people, particularly those not currently in education, employment or training, through relevant voices, platforms and messaging.The appointment expands Sunny Side Up's portfolio in the food and drink sector, where it already works with brands including Pink Lady apples, Majestic Wine and Riverford Organic, alongside organisations in health, retail, sport and the charity sector.

Access Communications has been appointed the public relations agency for DETERMINANT in Singapore, as the premium menswear brand looks to strengthen its presence in the market through strategic communications and brand storytelling.Under the mandate, Access Communications will lead public relations efforts for DETERMINANT in Singapore, focusing on enhancing brand awareness and communicating the company's technology-driven approach to functional menswear.Founded in Hong Kong by textile and apparel manufacturer Esquel Group, DETERMINANT has built its reputation around performance-driven menswear designed for modern professionals. The brand combines proprietary fabric technologies with minimalist design principles, offering products that address everyday challenges such as wrinkles, perspiration, odour and garment durability.DETERMINANT made its Singapore debut in 2025 with a pop-up at Takashimaya before expanding its retail footprint with its first standalone Southeast Asian store at Plaza Singapura. The brand is known for its signature dress shirts available in 61 size combinations and its use of patented textile technologies across its product portfolio.The appointment comes as DETERMINANT continues to grow its regional presence in Southeast Asia. Beyond apparel, the brand positions itself around helping professionals simplify their wardrobes through functional and sustainable product innovations tailored to contemporary work-life needs.For Access Communications, the partnership adds another consumer lifestyle brand to its client portfolio in Singapore. The agency will be responsible for driving strategic storytelling initiatives designed to deepen consumer engagement and strengthen DETERMINANT's positioning in the premium menswear segment.

Former journalists Paul Clifford and Emilie Hill have launched Context Studio, an independent communications and brand agency based in Dubai. The agency partners with businesses across the hospitality, wellness, beauty, interiors and lifestyle sectors, offering services spanning PR, editorial storytelling, content creation and strategic brand positioning.Hill brings more than a decade of experience across journalism, fashion, interiors, PR and digital communications in London and Dubai, having held roles at JBH Public Relations, ITP Media Group, MailOnline and The Telegraph. Clifford contributes decades of media and communications expertise, working extensively with hospitality, food and beverage, design and business publishing brands. He most recently served as Group Editor for the hospitality division at ITP Media Group."We've both spent our careers around founders, operators and creative entrepreneurs with exceptional ideas," said Paul. "Often, what they're missing isn't a better product or service, it's the ability to clearly communicate what makes them different. Context Studio exists to help bridge that gap.”"We never wanted to build an agency where clients become account numbers. Many of the businesses we work with have been built through years of hard work, personal investment and a clear vision from their founders. We believe those businesses deserve communications partners who are genuinely invested in their success.”"Today's audiences and consumers are increasingly discerning about where they place their attention and spend their money. The brands that stand out are those with a clear sense of identity and a story worth telling. Our role is to help founders understand how they should be positioned, what makes them relevant and how to communicate that with confidence,” Emilie said.“By keeping our client portfolio deliberately small, we're able to build stronger relationships, think more strategically and deliver work that reflects the individuality of each brand."

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a regional public relations agency pitch to establish a panel of communications partners across six Southeast Asian markets as part of a new three-year engagement aimed at strengthening Singapore's tourism promotion in the region.According to the tender, agencies can bid for one or more of the six markets—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia—but must have a physical presence in the markets they wish to serve.Unlike the traditional model of appointing a single regional agency, STB plans to create a panel of agencies, assigning projects based on strategic fit and market expertise. In addition to core responsibilities, agencies may receive ad hoc assignments during the contract period.The agreement will run from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029 under a 1+1+1 arrangement, with annual performance evaluations determining whether agencies remain on the panel throughout the three-year term.Appointed agencies will provide strategic communications counsel, develop market-specific PR strategies and execute media and social media programmes. Their responsibilities will include media relations, key opinion leader (KOL) engagement, press trip management, content creation, media monitoring, reporting, and paid media partnerships where required.For Indonesia and Vietnam, the selected agencies will also manage STB's local social media channels and create market-specific digital engagement strategies.The scope of work may further extend to integrated marketing campaigns, media events, translation services and collaboration with STB's creative, media, digital and headquarters communications teams. Agencies will also be expected to ensure a smooth transition with incumbent partners where necessary.Terrence Voon, Executive Director, Southeast Asia at the Singapore Tourism Board, said the shift to a panel model reflects the diversity of Southeast Asia's media landscape and evolving traveller behaviour. He noted that the approach would allow STB to draw on specialised expertise and local market insights to deliver communications programmes tailored to each country's unique audience.The tender also outlines several challenges facing Singapore's tourism marketing efforts, including intensifying competition from neighbouring destinations, perceptions among repeat visitors that the destination offers limited novelty, relatively low awareness in secondary cities and Singapore's image as a comparatively expensive destination.Through the new appointments, STB aims to strengthen awareness, consideration and advocacy for Singapore as both a leisure and business destination while deepening relationships with traditional media, digital publishers, influencers and key opinion leaders across the region.The regional pitch follows STB's earlier appointment of Edelman as its public relations agency in Singapore, where the agency was tasked with supporting strategic communications, media engagement, crisis counsel, digital amplification and campaign execution under a contract that began earlier this year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has named Dubai-based integrated communications agency Katch International as its PR, social media, branding and experiential communications partner for the GCC market.Under the new partnership, Katch International will drive strategic communications across the Gulf, positioning Hong Kong as a must-visit destination through targeted media relations, social storytelling and integrated campaigns. The collaboration will highlight the city's unique blend of cultural heritage, luxury experiences, family attractions, world-class dining and year-round events, as outbound travel from the GCC continues to grow and regional travellers increasingly seek immersive and entertainment-led experiences.Commenting on the appointment, Georgina Woollams-Edwards, Founder and Managing Director of Katch International, said: "This is an incredibly exciting addition to our portfolio and a partnership we are immensely proud of. HKTB is one of our most prestigious destination wins to date."She added: "Hong Kong is one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic destinations, seamlessly blending culture, innovation, entertainment and heritage into one unforgettable visitor experience. At Katch, we are passionate about working with brands and destinations that inspire people and create meaningful connections, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board embodies exactly that."As part of its remit, Katch International will strengthen Hong Kong's appeal among GCC audiences, increasing awareness of the destination and showcasing the breadth of experiences available to travellers from the region."Hong Kong has so much to offer, and we look forward to inspiring even more GCC travellers to discover this truly one-of-a-kind destination," Woollams said.Established in its current form in 2001, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is a government-subvented organisation responsible for promoting Hong Kong as a world-class travel destination. Working closely with government entities, tourism stakeholders and industry partners, HKTB plays a central role in enhancing the visitor experience while reinforcing Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's leading international destinations for culture, entertainment, dining, business and leisure.About Katch InternationalKatch International is a Dubai-based integrated communications agency specialising in public relations, social media, branding and experiential marketing across the Middle East.

Edelman has emerged as the most nominated agency at the 2026 Asia-Pacific SABRE Awards, securing 23 nominations across categories and leading the region's public relations industry recognition programme.The agency topped this year's shortlist ahead of Burson and The Hoffman Agency, which received 12 nominations each, while Ogilvy secured 11. Weber Shandwick followed with nine nominations, while First Partners and MSL earned eight nominations apiece.Adfactors, Finn Partners and WE Communications, including Avian WE in India, received seven nominations each. Sandpiper, Teamwork Communications Group and Archetype secured six nominations.In total, 275 campaigns made this year's shortlist following an extensive judging process led by a jury comprising more than 35 communications industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.The Asia-Pacific SABRE Awards, organised by PRovoke Media, recognise excellence in strategic communications, reputation management and public relations campaigns across the region.Winners will be announced at the SABRE Awards ceremony on August 18 at the Westin Singapore, alongside the presentation of the Asia-Pacific Agencies of the Year and Best Agencies to Work For awards. The ceremony will coincide with the PRovoke Summit Asia-Pacific.Commenting on this year's competition, PRovoke Media founder and jury chair Paul Holmes said the quality of work remained exceptionally strong despite a slight decline in the number of entries."The work we saw ranged from crisis and issues management campaigns responding to geopolitical and economic turmoil to influencer marketing campaigns that tapped into popular culture, to a massive amount of purpose-driven work proving that, in Asia at least, purpose is still a powerful way to build stakeholder relationships," Holmes said.The shortlisted campaigns reflect the breadth of communications work across the region, spanning crisis management, influencer marketing, corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement and purpose-led initiatives, underscoring the evolving role of public relations as a strategic business function across Asia-Pacific.

Mutant has been appointed to lead communications for the Singapore Tennis Open (STO) 2026 and HSBC SVNS Singapore 2027, the Singapore leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series, extending its longstanding partnership with The Kallang.The appointments build on the agency's previous work on STO 2024 and HSBC SVNS Singapore 2023, further strengthening its presence in Singapore's sports and live events sector.The wins come as Mutant continues to expand its capabilities across MICE and live events, adding integrated communications and event collaborations to its regional offering.Lina Marican, Regional Managing Director at Mutant, said Singapore continues to cement its position as a destination for world-class sporting events."We're proud to play a role in bringing these events to life and grateful for the continued trust from The Kallang team. It reflects the strength of our team and our ability to deliver impact on the ground," she said.Pui Leng Low, Head of Communications at The Kallang, said Mutant has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of the demands of major sporting events."Mutant has consistently delivered with clarity, speed and a strong understanding of what these events require, both on the ground and in-market. We're pleased to continue the partnership as we scale our event portfolio," she added.The appointments further expand Mutant's portfolio of sports and events communications mandates across the Asia-Pacific region as brands and organisers increasingly seek integrated agency support spanning communications, content and live experiences.

Dairy Australia has named independent communications agency Keep Left as its public relations and influencer agency of record following a competitive pitch process.The three-year partnership will see Keep Left lead the organisation's community marketing communications, delivering integrated PR strategy, earned media, influencer engagement and reputation-building initiatives designed to strengthen public trust in Australia's dairy industry.The agency will support Dairy Australia in promoting the value of locally produced dairy while engaging consumers through strategic storytelling and community-focused campaigns.Commenting on the appointment, Gillian Gosling, Head of PR at Keep Left, said the partnership reflects the agency's expertise in developing communications programmes that create meaningful connections between organisations and the communities they serve.She said Dairy Australia plays a vital role in supporting one of the country's most important agricultural sectors while helping Australians better understand the nutritional and economic value of dairy products. Gosling added that Keep Left will apply its proprietary "cultural frame" methodology to identify authentic opportunities that build trust, strengthen community connections and reinforce confidence in locally produced dairy.The agency said the integrated programme will combine public relations and influencer engagement to encourage more Australians to choose local dairy products while enhancing the industry's reputation over the long term.Dairy Australia is the national services body for the Australian dairy industry, working with farmers and industry stakeholders to improve farm profitability, sustainability, market development and consumer engagement across domestic and international markets.

Corporate affairs professional Nick Creevey has launched Hume Strategies, a Sydney-based strategic communications consultancy focused on helping organisations navigate reputation, public policy, regulatory engagement, and high-stakes communications.The new firm will advise clients across corporate communications, media relations, government engagement, regulatory affairs, executive positioning, and crisis and issues management. Hume Strategies will also support organisations in developing long-term reputation strategies while providing rapid-response counsel during complex or sensitive situations.Creevey brings nearly two decades of experience in strategic communications across government, financial services, and the corporate sector. Most recently, he served as Head of External Communications at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), where he led external communications for Australia's corporate, financial markets, and consumer credit regulator.Before joining ASIC, Creevey held senior communications roles at global fintech company Airwallex, worked within the Prime Minister's Press Office, and spent several years at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, building expertise in financial services communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement.The launch of Hume Strategies reflects growing demand for specialist advisory firms capable of supporting businesses and executives through an increasingly complex regulatory, political, and media landscape. With heightened scrutiny of corporate governance, financial regulation, and reputation risk, organisations are increasingly seeking strategic counsel that combines public affairs expertise with crisis preparedness and executive communications.Based in Sydney, Hume Strategies will work with organisations seeking integrated communications support across media, government, regulatory, and corporate affairs.

AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank and among the first institutions in over a decade to receive in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to transition into a Universal Bank, has appointed Adfactors PR as its strategic communications partner. As AU SFB’s pan-India communications partner, Adfactors PR will lead integrated communications across corporate reputation, leadership positioning, thought leadership, brand storytelling, and strategic media engagement. The mandate will focus on strengthening AU’s brand narrative, amplifying its growth story, showcasing its customer-centric and digital-first approach, and reinforcing its role in advancing a more inclusive banking ecosystem.As AU SFB enters its 10th year as a Bank and prepares for its next chapter of growth, strategic communications will play a vital role in reinforcing institutional trust, enhancing brand salience, and effectively articulating the Bank’s long-term vision, purpose, and aspirations to stakeholders across the country.Commenting on the appointment, Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “AU’s journey has been anchored in a customer-first philosophy, prudent growth, and a relentless focus on institution building. As we enter our next phase of growth and evolution, effective stakeholder communication will be critical to strengthening trust, enhancing brand salience, and articulating our long-term vision. Adfactors PR brings deep sector expertise and a strong track record in strategic communications, making them a valuable partner as we continue to expand our national footprint and shape the next chapter of AU’s journey.”Commenting on the mandate, Madan Bahal, Co-founder and Managing Director, Adfactors PR, said, “AU Small Finance Bank has built a remarkable institution grounded in entrepreneurship, customer trust, and consistent execution. We are delighted to partner with AU SFB and look forward to supporting its growth ambitions through strategic counsel, impactful storytelling, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.”The partnership will leverage an integrated, multi-channel communications approach spanning earned media, digital platforms, leadership advocacy, thought leadership initiatives, and emerging information ecosystems to strengthen AU SFB’s reputation, enhance brand visibility, and deepen engagement with key stakeholders, including customers, investors, regulators, employees, and the wider financial community.

The Ahmedabad Chapter of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), in association with Anant National University and with the support of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association (IIMCAA), will organise a National Conference on “Fact-Checking in the Age of AI: Combating Misinformation in a Digital-First World” on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Anant National University, Ahmedabad, from 9:30 AM onwards. The conference seeks to address one of the most pressing challenges confronting modern communication ecosystems, the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation. The day-long event will bring together communication professionals, academicians, journalists, policymakers, technology experts and fact-checkers from across the country to deliberate on practical, ethical and institutional approaches to strengthening information integrity in the digital age. More than 80 participants, including delegates from PRSI chapters across India, are expected to attend the conference, reflecting its national significance and cross-sector relevance. The programme will feature keynote addresses, expert talks, panel discussions and interactive sessions focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), media literacy, digital ethics, fact-checking practices and the evolving role of communication professionals in safeguarding public trust. Dr Ajit Pathak, National President, PRSI, said: “In the age of Artificial Intelligence, the credibility of information has become one of the defining challenges for communication professionals. Fact-checking is no longer the responsibility of journalists alone; it is a shared responsibility of public relations practitioners, academia, technology experts and institutions. Through this national conference, PRSI seeks to foster meaningful dialogue, encourage ethical communication practices and strengthen the collective capacity to combat misinformation in the public interest.” Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, said: “Universities have an important role in preparing students and professionals to deal with the challenges of a fast-changing digital world. We are happy to partner with PRSI Ahmedabad for this conference, which will encourage thoughtful discussions, media awareness and ethical use of technology. Such collaborations help build stronger connections between academia and industry.” Dr Kashyap Jani, Founder & Director, JANI Infotech Pvt. Ltd., said: “In emergencies and disasters, accurate information can save lives, while misinformation can create panic and hamper response efforts. As Artificial Intelligence accelerates the creation and dissemination of content, the need for robust fact-checking and trusted communication systems has never been greater. Technology must be designed not only to respond faster but also to ensure that verified, credible information reaches citizens when they need it most.” Vicky Shah, Chairman, PRSI Ahmedabad Chapter, said: “Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we communicate and consume information. While it brings many opportunities, it also makes it easier for misinformation to spread. Through this conference, we want to bring together professionals and experts to have honest conversations about how we can strengthen fact-checking and promote responsible communication. Our aim is to contribute to a more informed and trustworthy information environment.” A major highlight of the conference will be the unveiling of the PRSI National Knowledge Report on “Fact-Checking in the Age of AI”, followed by a presentation of its key findings. The publication is expected to be among PRSI’s first comprehensive reports examining the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and information integrity in India. The report has been prepared as a pre-cursor to the conference by Utsav Jain, Research Scholar in Mass Communication, Sardar Vallabhbhai Global University, under the guidance of Dr. Archana Kumari, Associate Professor, Centre for Media Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. The publication is expected to provide valuable insights for communication practitioners, researchers and policymakers while adding a strong research and policy dimension to the conference deliberations. In another significant step, PRSI will launch its National Committee on Fact-Checking during the conference as a pioneering initiative aimed at helping society stay informed and resilient against misinformation and disinformation. The initiative reinforces PRSI’s commitment to ethical communication, public awareness and information integrity in an era increasingly influenced by AI-mediated content flows. The conference schedule includes inaugural addresses, release of the Knowledge Report, thematic sessions, moderated discussions, audience interaction and a valedictory segment, making it a comprehensive national forum on one of the most critical communication challenges of the present time. By bringing together voices from academia, industry, media, public institutions and public relations (PR), the event aims to advance a more collaborative and future-ready approach to truth, trust and accountability in communication. Event Details:Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026Time: 9:30 AM onwardsVenue: Anant National University, AhmedabadOrganised by: PRSI Ahmedabad ChapterIn Association with: Anant National UniversitySupporting Association: Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association (IIMCAA)

Arbour has appointed Media Mantra Group as its public relations and communications partner. The decision follows a multi-agency pitch process. Media Mantra will handle strategic communications, media engagement, and brand positioning for Arbour, and will help position the firm's leadership as a credible voice on real estate private credit and private equity as Arbour scales its platform across India's alternative investment landscape.Chirag Mehta, Founder at Arbour, said: “We've been institutionalising real estate investment at scale across private credit and private equity. As our distribution network and deal pipeline grow, credible, consistent communication is what earns and keeps that trust. We put Media Mantra through a rigorous pitch process, and their command of finance and investment storytelling stood out. We look forward to a partnership that builds recognition for Arbour across our network and the wider industry.”Puja Pathak, Founder & Director of Media Mantra, said, “We are delighted to partner with Arbour at a pivotal time for India's real estate investment management space. Arbour's approach, backed by rigorous screening, technology-led risk mitigation, and a strong track record, gives us a compelling story to tell. Our focus will be on building sustained visibility for the brand and establishing its leadership as a credible voice for sophisticated investors evaluating real estate as an asset class.”She further added, “By combining our deep understanding of the real estate, alternative investments, and wealth management sectors with our multi-platform communication capabilities, we are well-positioned to help Arbour build a stronger brand presence, manage reputation, and reach new audiences.”Beyond the core mandate, Media Mantra will help Arbour build out stakeholder engagement and keep its external communication consistent as the firm grows its distribution network and deepens ties with institutional stakeholders.Media Mantra is a full-service PR and digital media agency with a diversified client portfolio spanning finance, technology, gaming, automotive, and education. It specialises in media relations, content strategy, and reputation management, and has expanded its footprint in the BFSI and alternative investments space through mandates with fund houses, fintech firms, and investment platforms.

Impact Research & Measurement Pvt. Ltd., a pioneer in media monitoring and intelligence, today announced the official launch of its new mobile app, Impact SmartMonitor V4. This upgrade to its mobile application introduces advanced features designed to transform how enterprise clients, corporate communications teams, and PR professionals access, track, and analyse their multi-channel media coverage.At the core of the V4 release is DYNA, Impact's own AI analyst. For the first time, users can go beyond news reading to engage directly with an intelligent conversational chatbot embedded right within the application. PR and communications leaders are drowning in information but starving for time. They don't have the luxury of reading through hundreds of articles just to find a single trend or context," said Aseem Sood, CEO of Impact Research & Measurement. "With this new release, we are changing how professionals interact with data. By embedding DYNA directly into their workflow, our users can simply ask their news feed a question and get an instant, reliable answer right on their phones."In addition to conversational data exploration, the app's backend architecture has been fundamentally overhauled to seamlessly handle high-velocity multi-source streaming, transforming raw tracking data into rich dashboard and metrics in real time."With SmartMonitor V4, we have completely modernized our infrastructure to support advanced Large Language Model capabilities directly on mobile touchpoints," said Shekhar Govindarajan, CTO of Impact Research & Measurement. "By leveraging full-text indexing, vectorization for RAG, low-latency API frameworks, and deep integration with our DYNA AI engine, we are enabling real-time processing of text, broadcast, and social conversations. The true benefit to our clients is immediate clarity, turning thousands of unstructured articles and conversations across regional languages, web, TV, and print into instant summaries and precise, searchable data sets instantly."Key Innovations & Capabilities in SmartMonitor V4:1. Multi-Channel Sync: An all-in-one consolidated feed streaming critical updates across Print, Web, X, TV, and YouTube. 2. Enhanced Article Intelligence (AI-Driven Utility): Individual articles are now packed with powerful workflow and productivity tools:DYNA Chatbot Integration: Query specific articles for deep context.AI-Powered Summaries: Instant bulleted breakdowns of lengthy columns and reports.Translation Support: Native translation of regional and vernacular media to break language barriers.3. Integrated Dashboard & Analytics: A completely redesigned, unified dashboard providing a holistic bird's-eye view of media presence. Complemented by Charts & Analytics, it delivers interactive, visual representations of Share of Voice, sentiment trends, and media volume statistics for quick, data-driven decision-making.The update is available starting today for all existing and new corporate clients of Impact Research & Measurement. Users can update or download the application through official corporate deployment channels, the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store. 

OpenAI has officially selected Latin American communications agency another to spearhead its public relations and communications strategy in Mexico.The partnership marks a significant milestone in OpenAI’s international growth. The artificial intelligence pioneer is rapidly scaling its operations in Mexico to capture booming corporate demand. Another will manage all media relations, corporate reputation, and strategic messaging to position OpenAI's tools effectively within the country's business ecosystem.Driving Regional GrowthThe alliance lands at a critical moment for OpenAI's Latin American operations, characterized by:• Enterprise Adoption: Rapid integration of ChatGPT Enterprise across top Mexican corporations.• Startup Ecosystems: Deepening technical and commercial partnerships with local tech innovators.• Ad-Supported Models: Localized support for OpenAI’s ongoing ChatGPT advertising rollouts.Regional ExpertiseWith a massive footprint across Latin America, another brings localized, high-impact market knowledge to OpenAI. The agency will focus on building digital trust, demystifying AI technologies for the public, and strengthening connections with regional tech influencers and policymakers."OpenAI is transforming the way people, organizations and societies access knowledge, develop ideas and create new opportunities. For us, being selected by an organization with this level of global impact represents a profoundly important milestone and also validates a vision we have been building for years: integrating artificial intelligence and OpenAI technology as a structural component of how a modern organization operates," said another chief operating officer Karina Barcellos.

Luxury lifestyle communications agency Petrie PR has been appointed as the dedicated communications agency for Bound & Beyond, the Thailand-based hospitality and lifestyle group behind several of the country's best-known luxury hotels and dining destinations.Under the new partnership, Petrie PR will lead Bound & Beyond's corporate communications and media relations, while supporting the group's brand storytelling, executive profiling and media engagement across the luxury travel, hospitality, lifestyle and business sectors. The appointment marks Bound & Beyond's first retained public relations agency partnership and comes as the company expands its luxury hospitality portfolio in Thailand and strengthens its international brand presence. According to industry reports, the agency was selected following its successful work with KAIA, one of Bound & Beyond's brands, with that collaboration paving the way for a broader communications remit across the group's portfolio. Bound & Beyond owns and manages a portfolio of luxury hospitality and lifestyle brands, including Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Capella Bangkok, Zephyr and Jul's. The company is also preparing to launch The Moken Club and its new hotel brand, KAIA Koh Phangan, as it continues to expand its footprint in Thailand's premium hospitality market. For Petrie PR, the win further strengthens its position in the luxury hospitality sector across Asia and the Middle East. The boutique agency specialises in integrated communications for luxury lifestyle, travel, hospitality, real estate, wellness and design brands, with operations spanning Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, mainland China and the Gulf region. Its client roster includes hospitality brands such as Aman, Hyatt, Kempinski Hotels, Belmond and The Datai Langkawi. The partnership comes amid growing competition among luxury hospitality brands in Southeast Asia, where strategic communications, executive thought leadership and brand storytelling are playing an increasingly important role in attracting high-net-worth travellers and strengthening global brand recognition.

The UK's public relations sector generated an estimated £7.1 billion in economic value and supported more than 95,000 jobs in 2025, according to a new report commissioned by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), marking what the association says is the first independent effort to quantify the industry's contribution to the British economy.Titled "Beyond Communications: Understanding the Economic Contribution of the UK Public Relations Sector," the study was conducted independently by CBI Economics and supported by eight major communications firms—Burson, Edelman, FINN Partners, FleishmanHillard, Hanover Communications, Golin, Ketchum, Penta and Portland.The report highlights the growing role of public relations as a strategic business function, arguing that the profession has evolved well beyond traditional media relations to encompass corporate advisory, public affairs, reputation management, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement and executive counsel.£4 Billion in Direct Economic OutputUsing a bespoke industry taxonomy developed with input from PRCA members and machine learning analysis by The Data City, the report estimates that UK PR agencies and consultancies generated £4 billion in direct Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2025. Including indirect economic activity through supply chains and employee spending, the sector's total economic contribution rises to £7.1 billion.The analysis covers agency and consultancy businesses only and excludes communications professionals working in-house across corporations, government departments, charities and public sector organisations, suggesting the profession's overall economic impact is likely to be significantly higher.High-Value EmploymentAccording to the report, the PR sector directly employs more than 52,000 professionals, while its broader economic footprint supports 95,464 full-time equivalent jobs across the UK.The study found that every £1 generated directly by PR businesses creates an additional 77 pence elsewhere in the economy through supply-chain activity and consumer spending.The profession also ranks among the UK's higher-productivity knowledge industries. Average annual salaries are estimated at £46,003—around 18% above the national average—while each employee generates approximately £77,628 in GVA, placing the sector alongside legal and accounting services in terms of productivity.Industry Growth Beyond LondonWhile London remains the UK's largest PR hub, contributing approximately £2.9 billion in GVA and supporting more than 26,000 jobs, the report notes that the industry has become increasingly decentralised.Every UK region now contributes more than £100 million in economic value, with significant communications clusters emerging in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Bristol.PR Increasingly Seen as Strategic Advisory FunctionThe report argues that traditional government industry classifications no longer accurately capture the modern communications sector because many firms operate across PR, strategic consultancy, marketing and public affairs.It also suggests that communications professionals are playing a growing role in advising senior executives on organisational strategy, public policy, employee engagement, corporate reputation and stakeholder trust.PRCA Calls for Greater RecognitionPRCA Chief Executive Sarah Waddington described the findings as a milestone for the profession."This report proves that public relations and public affairs are not peripheral functions—they are engines of economic value, trust and influence across the UK."At £7.1 billion and more than 95,000 jobs, our sector is making a major contribution to national prosperity. But its real power goes beyond the numbers. PR and public affairs help organisations navigate complexity, build confidence, shape policy, protect reputation and create the trust that modern economies depend on."She added that the findings reinforce the case for viewing PR as a strategic management discipline rather than simply a communications service, particularly at a time when organisations face increasing challenges around misinformation, AI, geopolitical uncertainty and declining public trust.Measuring the Modern PR IndustryAdriana Curca, Director at CBI Economics, said one of the biggest challenges was accurately defining today's PR sector.She noted that conventional economic classifications fail to reflect the industry's multidisciplinary nature, prompting researchers to develop a new taxonomy based on the actual services communications firms provide.According to the report, PR professionals generate around 55% more economic value per employee than the average worker across the UK's wider creative industries, underlining the sector's role as a high-value professional services industry.Trust and Reputation Driving Business ValueAlongside the report, the PRCA has published a briefing paper arguing that organisations should increasingly evaluate public relations as a driver of enterprise value rather than as a discretionary communications expense.The association contends that reputation, stakeholder trust and strategic communications have become increasingly important as businesses navigate AI-driven disruption, misinformation, regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical uncertainty.PRCA Honorary President Charles Lewington, in an accompanying opinion piece, described the UK's communications industry as "a very British success story," arguing that the country has evolved into a global leader in strategic communications consultancy through decades of innovation, entrepreneurship and industry consolidation.The report is expected to fuel wider discussions about how the communications industry measures and demonstrates its value, particularly as PR leaders seek a stronger voice in corporate decision-making and boardroom strategy.

Mazarine, the independent global creative group founded by Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers, has acquired international PR and digital communications agency Bacchus, strengthening its integrated offering for luxury, fashion, art and culture brands.The acquisition adds Bacchus' expertise in corporate and consumer communications, reputation management and crisis communications to Mazarine's portfolio, enabling the group to offer clients a more comprehensive suite of creative, strategic communications and brand engagement services.The partnership also enhances Mazarine's ability to engage Very Important Clients (VICs) by leveraging Bacchus' network of Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) individuals. Together, the companies will support events produced by Mazarine and its subsidiaries—including Mazarine Experience, La Mode en Images and Arter—while developing strategic communications programmes to identify, attract and engage influential audiences.Commenting on the acquisition, Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers, Founder and CEO of Mazarine Group, said: "Bacchus is the ideal Public Relations and VIC partner; our complementary areas of expertise and our expanded international reach allow us to go even further for the luxury clients we share. We will be the first to offer creative and communications services combined with VIC engagement. Our understanding of the global market and our strengthened presence enable us to adapt effectively to evolving target markets and behaviours. Our shared ambition was clear from our very first meeting, and I am delighted to welcome all the teams into our group."Anouschka Menzies, Co-founder of Bacchus, said the deal creates a differentiated proposition for luxury brands navigating an evolving communications landscape."In an ever-changing luxury communications landscape, the ability to influence audiences directly while building compelling brand narratives is critical to delivering meaningful commercial impact. Since inception, this has been precisely where Bacchus excels. Joining Mazarine gives us an advantage that other agencies cannot replicate. Strategic introductions and access to influential audiences have always been an essential part of our advisory offering. Our UHNW network is as valuable as our trusted relationships with senior editorial leadership internationally."Founded in London in 1998 by Anouschka Menzies and Charlotte Lurot, Bacchus is today led by the two founders alongside Co-CEO Daize Washbourn. The agency advises luxury brands, hospitality companies, destinations and cultural organisations on strategic communications, corporate reputation and brand positioning.Its client roster includes Diageo Luxury Group, Four Seasons, Red Sea Global Residential, Six Senses, Technogym, RH, Auberge Resorts Collection, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Zuma Group, Discovery Land Company, Global Design Forum, London Design Festival, London Fashion Week and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.The acquisition reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the luxury communications sector, as agencies seek to combine creative expertise, strategic advisory services and access to influential global audiences under a single integrated offering.