As the world prepares to welcome 2025, Approach Bollywood, India’s leading Bollywood and Entertainment Newswire and App, has joined hands with Go Spiritual, a renowned spiritual organization, to launch a life-saving campaign against drunk driving. The initiative, titled “Aaj Mere Paas Gadi Hai,” is a call for responsible celebrations, emphasizing the importance of making safer choices during the festive season.The campaign, which will run across social media platforms until January 1, 2025, harnesses the power of Bollywood to deliver its message. Drawing inspiration from the iconic line in Deewar, where Amitabh Bachchan’s character proudly declares, “Aaj mere paas gaadi hai, bangla hai, bank balance hai,” the campaign cleverly adapts it to say, “Even then, I don’t drink and drive.”Adding to its creative narrative, the campaign also incorporates the legendary dialogue from Kanoon, “Kanoon ke haath bahut lambe hote hain.” This iconic line serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences of drunk driving. It emphasizes that no one is above the law and that reckless behavior can result in severe penalties, urging people to act responsibly during the festive season.This creative approach leverages Bollywood’s cultural influence to resonate deeply with audiences, merging the glamour of cinema with a critical social message. Another memorable example from the campaign incorporates the famous advice Veeru gives Basanti in Sholay, “Don’t dance in front of these dogs.” Reinterpreted, it urges people to avoid creating chaos by drinking and driving, stating: “Don’t drink, drive, or create a scene.”Sonu Tyagi, the founder of Approach Entertainment & Go Spiritual and a celebrated writer-director, highlighted the urgency of addressing drunk driving, especially during New Year’s celebrations. He stated, “New Year’s Eve is a time of joy and celebration, but it is also one of the most dangerous nights on the road due to intoxicated driving. Through this campaign, we aim to save lives by raising awareness and promoting responsible behavior. Bollywood has an unparalleled ability to connect with people, and by blending its charm with a crucial social message, we hope to make a lasting impact.”Approach Bollywood, established under the banner of Approach Entertainment, has consistently leveraged its platform to drive awareness and inspire positive change. Known for its authentic and comprehensive coverage of Bollywood, entertainment, and media, Approach Entertainment is also making waves in film production, with its maiden Hindi feature film set to go for production in 2025 under the direction of Sonu Tyagi.Additionally, Approach Bollywood has launched an exclusive smartphone app catering to Bollywood and entertainment enthusiasts. The app provides users with breaking news, in-depth industry insights, exclusive celebrity content, and updates on films, TV, OTT, music, and entertainment. This innovation complements the newswire's commitment to being the ultimate destination for Bollywood lovers.Go Spiritual, the campaign’s partner, is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting spirituality, mental health, wellness, and philanthropy. Through its various initiatives, including spiritual tourism, media, and social awareness programs, Go Spiritual has been at the forefront of advocating for a more mindful and harmonious society. This collaboration with Approach Bollywood reflects a shared commitment to making a meaningful societal impact.As Approach Bollywood and Go Spiritual champion the message of “Don’t Drink and Drive,” they remind everyone that celebrations should be joyous and not marred by preventable tragedies. With their combined efforts, the campaign aims to inspire a cultural shift toward safer, more mindful festivities, ensuring that the dawn of 2025 is filled with hope and happiness.Approach Entertainment Group, the parent company of Approach Bollywood, continues to lead the way in Celebrity Management, Film Productions, Advertising, Corporate Films, and Entertainment Marketing. With a presence across major Indian cities, the group is dedicated to using its platforms to drive meaningful change. Meanwhile, Go Spiritual remains committed to its mission of fostering spiritual awareness, philanthropy, and holistic well-being, further solidifying its role as a force for positive transformation.As the clock ticks closer to midnight on December 31, let us all resolve to make safer choices. A single decision to refrain from drinking and driving can save countless lives, ensuring that the New Year begins on a note of safety, joy, and responsibility.

The Media Nanny, the globally renowned creative communications & PR agency, and Circulate, an award-winning digital agency, has announced their expansion into the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025. The partnership marks a pivotal milestone in the agency landscape for the region as the two companies combine significant talent and experience to provide a compelling alternative to larger incumbent agency offerings.Headquartered in Amsterdam, The Media Nanny represents a diverse roster of high-profile clients worldwide, including Mochakk, Gianluca Vacchi, Lilly Palmer, GORDO, Porsche, Audemars Piguet, The Pacha Group and FIVE Hotels and Resorts, and is now setting its sights on deepening its presence in the rapidly growing MENA region. Circulate is the agency of choice for a renowned roster of music and culture heavyweights including Circoloco, Mochakk, Oliver Heldens, Jägermeister, White Claw and MAC Global. Both agencies have delivered large scale campaigns in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent years.Within the region, Circulate and The Media Nanny have previously worked together across MDLBEAST Soundstorm Festival, Balad Beast, XP Music Futures and MDLBEAST Records. A strategic partnership is an organic evolution of their work together, allowing the agencies to offer a genuine 360 approach to their clients in the region. Circulate Co-Founder David De Valera emphasised this point “We’ve seen firsthand the incredible growth of creative industries in the MENA region. These industries need independent, flexible agency partners who truly understand the region, the new-built ecosystems and its culture, as well as the global marketing landscape.”Both The Media Nanny and Circulate have played pivotal roles in the launch and growth of MDLBEAST, a pioneering Saudi Arabian entertainment company known for its groundbreaking events such as Soundstorm Festival, the XP Music Futures conference, and its record label, MDLBEAST Records. The Media Nanny has also provided PR support for popular nightlife venues like Beast House and Attaché as well as Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Alicia Keys’ Women to Women initiative and the FEI World Cup Final Riyadh, contributing to the dynamic sports and entertainment landscape in the region.José Woldring-Walker, founder and CEO of The Media Nanny, expressed excitement about the expansion: "From the first time I set foot on the ground, I’ve felt extremely welcome and inspired by the Kingdom. We have built a strong track record thanks to the trust from our clients and the successful global campaigns we’ve run with them over the last four years. It’s a priority for us to continue demonstrating our knowledge and expertise by supporting clients who are leading innovation across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. I believe there is no better city than Riyadh to establish ourselves to service new and existing clients.”Circulate Co-Founder Marcus O’Sullivan emphasised the unique nature of the partnership “Our collaboration with The Media Nanny enables us to use our global music networks and experience to the benefit of our partners. Combined with that, our intention is to attract the very best regional talent to work alongside our existing teams, this will be an unparalleled creative launchpad in the Middle East.”With the Riyadh office, The Media Nanny and Circulate are set to continue their track record of excellence in strategic marketing, PR, creative, and communications, helping clients navigate the evolving cultural and entertainment sectors across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region. Their combined efforts will provide on-the-ground support to existing and new clients within the region, further strengthening the agencies’ reputations as a go-to in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

MCN (Middle East Communications Network) has launched Interact, an end-to-end connected platform powered by KINESSO, further uniting data, creative production, media and commerce.Building on existing connected capabilities across people, processes and technology, Interact fire powers real-time collaboration that drives faster, more efficient, and personalised marketing across all touchpoints, transforming how brands engage with their audiences and drive business success. With clients at the heart of its design, Interact seamlessly facilitates collaboration cross-agencies and cross-geographies, ensuring that data, tools, and insights work together, and brands have the ability to continuously refine marketing strategies to drive both immediate results and long-term growth.Ghassan Harfouche, CEO of MCN MENAT, commented: “Interact brings connected and personalised world-class data solutions to our clients in MENAT. In a market as dynamic and diverse as ours, the need for localised insights and actionable data is critical. Interact equips our teams and clients with the tools to drive more relevant, impactful, and efficient marketing strategies, rooted in the power of real-time data and technology.”Developed and hosted by KINESSO, Interact connects every touchpoint in the marketing ecosystem, unlocking deeper audience insights for more precise targeting, driving the creation of compelling content faster, and optimising campaigns in real time for greater effectiveness. This translates to increased speed, agility and scale to help clients better engage, convert and retain customers. Interact Integrates Generative AI and Strategic PartnershipsAdobe’s generative AI tools are integrated into the platform and all facets of the content supply chain. Interact also integrates technology from strategic partners including Blackbird.AI, Getty Images and IBM, providing secure access to advanced AI tools and language models inside a single operating system. This in turn empowers MCN’s agencies and clients to create more effective, efficient, and personalised consumer experiences tailored to the varied nuances of the region and with the ability to integrate clients’ first party data, compliant with data privacy regulations. Key features of Interact include:• Enhanced Connectivity and collaboration: By bringing together data, creative production, media and commerce in a single space, Interact optimises team synergies, enabling faster turnarounds and higher-quality outcomes for clients.• Advanced AI and Strategic Integrations: With AI-powered tools, teams can uncover deeper insights and make data-backed decisions with precision, which is essential in maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced industry. • Localised Audience Data Integration: Interact’s integrated Audience Console provides enriched, market-specific insights, supporting more localised, relevant, and targeted campaigns. • Data-Driven Personalisation: Interact enables tailored campaigns to continually optimise performance to match client objectives, ensuring a highly personalised and effective user experience. Karthik Kumar, Managing Director of KINESSO, added: “Interact is committed to powering smarter, more connected marketing strategies. Globally powered by Interpublic, Interact enables regionally nuanced and globally informed solutions. It combines the best of data, technology, and AI to set new benchmarks for our industry, and new innovations for our clients.”

Clarity Communication, one of India’s largest integrated PR & marketing agencies, has announced its expansion into Canada. This strategic move positions Clarity to support Canadian and North American brands by leveraging globally resonant narratives to expand market reach and drive international growth. With a seasoned team and a client-centric, results-driven approach, Clarity is set to redefine PR strategies for brands seeking sustainable expansion in a globalized market.As brands increasingly look to extend their presence internationally, the global PR market is projected to reach $116.4 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. This growth reflects the demand for strategic brand-building efforts and cross-border narratives. Canada’s PR market, in particular, is experiencing similar trends, presenting a substantial Total Addressable Market (TAM) for firms offering integrated communication strategies. As Canadian brands strive for greater global recognition, Clarity Communication is poised to help them craft compelling, localized campaigns that resonate on a global stage.Sowmya Iyer, Founder & CEO of Clarity Communication, shared, "We are thrilled to expand into Canada, where the demand for strategic and impactful communication solutions continues to rise. Our success in India has given us the confidence to help brands navigate dynamic markets, and we look forward to leveraging our expertise to support Canadian businesses as they build their stories internationally."Anirudh Das, Head of International Operations at Clarity, added, "This expansion is a critical step in our mission to empower brands globally. With Canada’s thriving economy and growing demand for international PR expertise, Clarity is ready to deliver strategies that resonate across borders, fostering long-term, meaningful connections for brands seeking global reach."Tanya Sharma, Global Marketing Head, highlighted, "Canada’s strong economy and increasing demand for global connections present a unique opportunity for us to introduce Clarity’s integrated PR solutions. We are excited to support Canadian brands in enhancing their narratives and engaging audiences across multiple markets."Clarity Communication brings a wealth of experience in delivering high-impact PR strategies across various industries, including technology, real estate, electric transportation, and healthcare. This expansion reinforces the agency’s commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of global PR, with a focus on digital, content-driven, and data-backed engagement strategies.

Ruder Finn, one of the world’s largest independent global communications and integrated marketing agencies, has launched rf.aio, its new LLM optimization offering in collaboration with influenceAI. rf.aio is Ruder Finn’s proprietary all-in-one AI optimization offering that monitors and optimizes brand and product mentions in public LLMs to support client marketing and reputation efforts. rf.aio includes automated LLM monitoring and remediation through an AI platform developed by influenceAI, a member of our AI Advisory Council.As more users turn to LLMs for answers, AI is quickly becoming the new “super influencer,” and LLMs are emerging as the next generation of search. rf.aio directly addresses this shift in user behavior by offering monitoring of popular LLMs like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s Llama to evaluate how they respond to brand-related queries. rf.aio identifies key factors such as awareness, accuracy, brand affinity, and amplification, influencing the LLM responses to queries and providing actionable insights for response remediation. Based on these findings, rf.aio identifies, creates and places corrective content, then trains public models to prioritize these levers — redirecting them toward trusted and factually accurate sources that address biases, correct misinformation, and as a result, enhance brand perception.“At Ruder Finn, we’re always looking towards what’s next. We partnered with influenceAI to create rf.aio as a powerful marketing and communications tool to help clients listen to LLM responses at scale and influence how their brands are represented through LLM search,” said Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn. “As LLMs become the predominant mode of search, it’s imperative that brands adapt to these new platforms, and our new rf.aio offering is instrumental in helping our clients navigate this change.”This new collaboration is spearheaded by the rf.TechLab, Ruder Finn’s analytics and emerging technologies incubator. Launched in 2018, rf.TechLab fuels the development of solutions that help brands leverage the latest cutting-edge advancements in data science, modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to solve complex business challenges.“With millions of people relying on LLMs daily, there is a lot on the line for the brands! What happens if an LLM mistakenly associates a brand or its products with negative terms? Or if it omits crucial product information?” said Tejas Totade, CTO of Ruder Finn. “Although brands can’t retroactively change what these models already ‘know,’ with rf.aio and influenceAI, they can introduce new, brand-supportive and accurate content into the information ecosystem, hoping to steer future brand-related responses from these LLMs.”This launch of rf.aio comes on the heels of Ruder Finn’s recent announcement about its new global RF AI Advisory Council, chaired by OpenAI pioneer Zack Kass. Ruder Finn is currently using rf.aio with a number of clients.

MCN (Middle East Communications Network) has announced Blueprint 2025: The Way Forward, an exclusive event to equip marketers with essential insights, resources and strategic partnerships to drive business growth across Saudi Arabia and expand their global impact.Hosted by MCN and its agencies, the event will set out a roadmap for brand growth across multiple disciplines from Creative, Media and PR through to Data, Loyalty, Experiential, Engagement, Tech and Commerce.Blueprint 2025 brings together leading global experts, industry visionaries, and key Saudi talent to equip brands with the insights and partnerships essential for thriving in a fast-evolving MarComms landscape. With the 2025 marketing landscape in mind, it is designed to help navigate geopolitical transformations, advance the global presence of Saudi brands and explore pivotal trends redefining the talent landscape to build innovative, enduring and future fit brands.As part of the event’s programme, Robert Willock, Global Editorial Director EICN at The Economist Intelligence Unit, will provide a business briefing on the shifting global landscape as BRICS expands, now encompassing Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Iran. Willock will explore how the Kingdom can balance economic growth alongside its strategic role in a multipolar world, leveraging new alliances while maintaining global competitiveness.At the core of Blueprint 2025’s mission is the unveiling of The Future of KSA and Brands of Tomorrow, an exclusive research study developed by McCann Worldgroup that will provide a comprehensive look into the rapidly evolving Saudi consumer landscape. Led by Mohammed Bahmishan – CEO of FP7McCann KSA – and Rodney Collins, PhD, EVP Global Head of Human Sciences at McCann Worldgroup, this study is designed to empower brands with an in-depth understanding of the shifting values, behaviors, and expectations of Saudi consumers as they align with Saudi Vision 2030’s transformative ambitions.Drawing on research from across Saudi Arabia, the United States, Europe, and Asia, the study offers an unprecedented analysis of how Saudi audiences are adopting global trends and reshaping them through a uniquely local lens. Key findings spotlight generational attitudes toward digital engagement, revealing distinct shifts in media consumption habits, brand loyalty, and the values that resonate with Saudi consumers across different age groups.Blueprint 2025 will further explore the future of talent in Saudi Arabia in a session led by Jonathan Holmes, Managing Director - Korn Ferry, and Ricarda Ruecker, Chief Talent Officer - MCN MENAT. They will discuss the strategic blend of Saudisation with international expertise, DE+I integration, and skillset development to build a resilient workforce that drives the Kingdom’s growth. Ghassan Harfouche, (pictured), CEO – MCN MENAT, commented: "Blueprint 2025 marks a pivotal moment for MCN as we deepen our commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and partner with clients to drive impactful change across the Kingdom’s creative marketing landscape and beyond. MCN is dedicated to partnering with our clients to produce long term, enduring and innovation-led brands, firepowered by a network of globally scaled agency brands. By convening global and local trends, Blueprint 2025 sets the stage for Saudi Arabia’s next era of growth, empowering brands to shape a thriving, globally relevant future."Robert Willock, Global Editorial Director EICN - The Economist Intelligence Unit, added: “The world order is changing: new global powers, a growing influence of the BRICS nations and increasing challenges of a multipolar world present great uncertainty and unprecedented opportunity for businesses. A new dynamic of instability and an unpredictable cycle of populism, interventionist economics and transactional globalisation has emerged. Through Blueprint 2025, we explore what this means for countries and businesses operating in the geo-political space between East and West and how brands can best navigate and optimise their growth.”This event is brought to you by MCN and its agencies including FP7McCann, UM, Initiative, Magna Global, Weber Shandwick, Jack Morton, MRM, Current Global, MullenLowe, Momentum, McCann Healthcare, CRAFT, Octagon, Commonwealth//McCann and KINESSO.

The MediaVantage Group has announced the launch of The GreenVantage, a new subsidiary dedicated to advancing sustainability across the advertising and marketing sectors in the MENA region. This strategic initiative will be led by Robin Phillips, who has been appointed General Manager of The GreenVantage. His extensive experience in both advertising and sustainability in the region makes him the perfect fit to spearhead this important project.The GreenVantage's mission is to help brands and agencies adopt eco-friendly practices throughout their campaign lifecycle. With Phillips at the helm, the company aims to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices in both digital and physical media channels. Phillips expressed his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing the need for transformation in the industry and the opportunity to guide brands toward sustainable marketing solutions that deliver both results and responsibility.Under Phillips' leadership, The GreenVantage will offer a range of services to help clients align with sustainability goals. These include:• ESG training and education to empower teams in reducing carbon output and managing digital waste.• Sustainable ad packages offering ad space across green platforms that focus on ethical content and low-energy hosting.• Comprehensive consultancy with a ‘cradle-to-grave’ approach to evaluate the environmental impact of advertising campaigns.These services will equip brands with the tools they need to meet sustainability standards and ESG criteria, while also minimizing the carbon footprint of their campaigns. The GreenVantage represents The MediaVantage Group's commitment to making sustainability a core element of its work in the MENA region, and Phillips' leadership ensures that the company is well-positioned to guide clients in achieving these ambitious goals.Manoj Khimji, Managing Director of The MediaVantage Group, highlighted the significance of this new venture, stating that with Phillips leading The GreenVantage, the company is well-equipped to deliver actionable solutions to clients, helping them maximize their impact while adhering to sustainable practices.

M&C Saatchi UAE is expanding its regional capabilities by adding the multi-award-winning M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment to its remit. With a legacy of delivering impactful campaigns for global giants including Barclays, LEGO and Kia, M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has been at the forefront of passion-driven marketing for 20 years, connecting brands to consumers through the things they love making brands culturally relevant through passions.  As part of the M&C Saatchi Group, this new addition marks M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment’s seventh global office since its establishment in 2004. Recognized for its creative excellence, the agency has earned multiple industry accolades, including being named Agency of the Year at the UK Sponsorship Awards and winning the Sport Industry Agency of the Year title a record six times at the Sport Industry Awards.  The agency’s entry into the UAE is driven by growing client demand in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment markets, and it is all set to replicate its global service model. Delivering powerful 360-degree campaigns across sponsorships, PR, social, digital, content, activations, and more—all designed to resonate deeply with the passions of the GCC market. The offer will be led by M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Managing Partner Ross Watson, who will export his expertise running multi-market campaigns and will be supported by Rasha Lambe, Business Director, who will spearhead client work, driving the agency’s growth with a team of passion specialists in the region. M&C Saatchi UAE’s existing client network is already engaging with the expanded offering, with AC Milan and its Middle East hub, Casa Milan Dubai, inking a partnership and many more opportunities currently being explored. M&C Saatchi UAE CEO Scott Feasey commented: “Now is the ideal time to launch Sport & Entertainment in the GCC- a market experiencing remarkable growth and gaining global recognition. This new offering not only complements our existing services but also positions us to significantly amplify the impact of brands in this thriving sector. I’m very excited to welcome the agency to the region.” Ross Watson said: “We feel there is a real opportunity to bring our specialism and approach to brands based in the Middle East where we can combine the global knowledge and expertise of our London HQ with local market expertise through a uniquely blended team of passion specialists to give clients exactly what they are looking for- global thinking with local nuance.”

Ideacafe.agency announces the launch of its new division, IDEACAFE ROOTS, designed to bridge the communication gap between rural and urban markets in India. The division aims to address brands' needs in "Rurban" areas—a blend of rural and urban landscapes—where purchasing power and aspirations have risen significantly post-COVID.To lead this initiative, Ideacafe has brought on board Sandip Bansal as Practice Head of ROOTS. Bansal, an industry veteran with over 35 years of experience, began his rural marketing journey with Video on Wheels in 1989 and later developed rural marketing arms at Ogilvy, Starcom, and GroupM's Dialogue Factory.Sandip shared: “Helping brands build equity and share in rural India drives me, and I found Ideacafe to be uniquely agile and responsive, unlike many large network agencies.”Sandip emphasized that IDEACAFE ROOTS will focus on creating scalable and sustainable models to help brands extend their reach across Tier 2 and Tier 3 landscapes. "As brands aim to deepen distribution in what we now call Rurban landscapes, ROOTS will focus on building local expertise rather than relying on outsourced assistance,” he added.Joining Sandip on the senior leadership team is Shweta Lamba as Business Head of Experiential. With over 14 years in marketing, Shweta’s expertise in Intellectual Properties, Key Account Management, and experiential solutions will enhance ROOTS' offerings. She has previously managed key accounts for leading brands, including P&G, Britannia, and Mahindra, in roles with Entertainment Network India Limited, Big Magic, and GroupM’s Dialogue Factory.Also joining the team is Amish Morjaria as National Operations Head of ROOTS. Amish brings over 20 years of experience in business operations and urban and rural activations. Known for his integration of technology in fulfillment and campaign tracking, Amish previously held roles at Tech Smart, DDB Mudra, and GroupM’s Dialogue Factory.Nabendu Bhattacharyya, Founder of Ideacafe.agency, stated: “Our focus is to meet brands' needs through local-level expertise and direct accountability. While many companies are cutting manpower, we see the value in investing in skilled, on-ground teams to provide brands with dependable, localized solutions."IDEACAFE ROOTS has already onboarded over 25 professionals across markets, serving more than a dozen national brands. With an aggressive expansion strategy, the division aims to become the largest Rurban brand communication service provider in the next two to three years.

Capital Gate Advisors (CGA), a premier strategic communications consultancy, has announced its official launch, specializing in financial communications, investor relations, public policy, and corporate reputation management across the Middle East and key global markets.Founded by industry veterans Ajith Henry and Wajih Halawa, Capital Gate Advisors offers high-level senior counsel and execution support to businesses.It brings a powerful blend of regional expertise and international best practices to each mandate. Ajith Henry, formerly Managing Director & Head of Strategic Communications at FTI Consulting Middle East, and Wajih Halawa, who previously served as Partner at Brunswick and Head of External Affairs at Majid Al Futtaim, have formed CGA to address the growing need for strategic communications solutions in a rapidly evolving business landscape.Ajith Henry, Managing Partner of Capital Gate Advisors, said: "At Capital Gate Advisors, we differentiate ourselves by offering more than just high-level strategic counsel; we are hands-on partners who ensure the strategies we develop are effectively implemented. Each of our consultants brings at least 20 years of experience and a deep understanding of local market dynamics, complemented by global expertise."Capital Gate Advisors is committed to providing senior-level counsel and execution, ensuring that every client engagement benefits from direct involvement of seasoned experts. CGA's model emphasizes a trusted partner and collaborator mindset, working closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions that go beyond strategy to hands-on execution. The firm is also dedicated to knowledge transfer and capacity building, helping clients’ in-house teams evolve to meet world-class standards in communications and investor engagement.Key offerings of Capital Gate Advisors:  Financial Communications & Investor Relations: Strategic advisory on IPOs, M&As, and restructuring transactions, with an emphasis on transparency, regulatory compliance, and trust-building with stakeholders  Corporate Reputation Management: Comprehensive strategies to build, protect, and enhance corporate reputation for financial services entities, backed by data-driven insights and stakeholder engagement  Public Affairs & Policy Advisory: Expert counsel to navigate regulatory environments, geopolitical risks, and public sector engagement  Executive Positioning & Coaching: Personalized executive coaching and thought leadership programs  ESG Advisory: Develop ESG frameworks that align with international best practices  Issues and Crisis Management: Proactive strategies to mitigate risks and safeguard reputations, with real-time crisis management support to ensure business resilienceCGA’s consultants are strategically located in key global financial centers, including London, New York, Singapore, Mumbai, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. Each consultant brings at least 20 years of experience, having led major mandates for financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and systemic public-sector entities. The senior team includes experts who have led regional businesses of the world’s leading communications firms, served as sell-side analysts, and headed IR departments at large-cap companies in the region.With ex-corporate communications and IR leaders, economists, financial journalists, ESG experts, and marketers, CGA offers a holistic approach to addressing the unique challenges of each client. This expertise and global reach, combined with deep local market knowledge, ensures that CGA provides multi-faceted expertise tailored to specific client needs.The founding members have a proven track record of advising on several of the largest IPOs and M&A transactions in the MENA region, helping clients navigate complex market transactions and build strong reputations in capital markets.

The Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) has launched the second year of its global scholarship program that fosters communication skills around sustainability, climate, and social responsibility. By partnering with agency sponsors and universities from around the world, the FCF supports aspiring professionals with education funding and mentoring, while creating professional networks among students, faculty, and industry around sustainability initiatives that positively impact the planet.In 2024, the FCF is delivering eleven scholarships for senior students in public relations and communications, in partnership with our six sponsoring agencies on five continents. The FCF Scholarships include two annual awards provided by Adfactors PR at ScoRE, India (link); two annual awards from ICON at RMIT, Australia (link); and annual awards from FINN Partners at FAMU, Florida (link); Tucker/Hall at University of Florida (link); and SPRG at CUHK, Hong Kong (link). The FCF itself sponsors four full-tuition scholarships at WIUC, in Accra, Ghana, partnering with Mahogany Consult (link). The FCF Scholarship is producing long-term impact by creating an ever-growing network of students, faculty, and professionals that value social responsibility to climate and sustainability in the communications industry. The FCF is further impacting University education in public relations through the integration of the scholarship program into course pedagogy. Prestigious universities including RMIT (Australia) and the University of Florida (US) have incorporated the FCF Scholarship into their communications curricula, seeing it as an invaluable means to teach responsible ethics in professional practice. Students are also taking the initiative themselves to pay-it-forward—just like we all need to do for the planet. At ScoRE, in Chennai, India, the 2023 Adfactors PR winners of the FCF Scholarship have used their funds to set-up a ScoRe Alumni Network Scholarship to support their fellow students, encouraging the growth of the profession in India’s Eastern region.The FCF Scholarship is focused around a yearly theme addressing communications strategies for sustainability and climate initiatives. In 2024, competitions focus around fostering meaningful public action and measuring behavioural change. Each competition addresses the theme in ways particular to the region, from “Communicating a Clean Energy Future in Australia” (ICON at RMIT, Melbourne) to “Protecting Paradise: Responsible Tourism and Environmental Stewardship” (FINN Partners at FAMU, Florida). Regional campaigns include “Behaviour Change for a Swachh Bharat (Clean India)” (Adfactors PR at ScoRe, India); “Smart Ideas for Engaging Citizens in Healthier Lifestyle Choices” (SPRG at CUHK, Hong Kong); “Behaviour change(s) that will contribute to sustainability and/or help curb the climate crisis” (Tucker/Hall at University of Florida); and “Communicating the Climate Crisis: Motivating and Measuring Behavioural Change” (FCF Scholarship at WIUC, Ghana). Student entrants are tasked with designing an inventive communications campaign that not only raises awareness of sustainability and climate challenges but also considers how to do so using low-cost and limited means. Students are required to create a campaign brief, short video, slide deck, and statement of purpose as part of their submission, focusing on one key action or behavioural change that can be implemented, and measured, in their community. Student videos from FCF competitions can be viewed on our FCF Youtube. OUR SPONSORS SPEAK TO SUSTAINABILITY “We’re thrilled to partner with the Future Communicators Foundation and RMIT University to offer a scholarship that challenges the next generation of PRs to create inventive and practical communication campaigns addressing the climate crisis and social justice issues,” says Joanne Painter, Co-Founder of ICON Agency. “Sustainability principles are the foundation of sustainable business and an integral part of corporate reputation. Our scholarships in partnership with The PR Trust and SCoRe are a small step in this direction,” says Madan Bahal, Co-Founder of Adfactors PR.“The SPRG FCF Scholarship serves an excellent opportunity for students to apply their hardearned communication skills and knowledge, combined with their passion, enthusiasm and PAGE 3/3 innovative spirit to develop a campaign that advances the environment, public health and social justice. Moreover, we trust that the programme will benefit the community since stakeholders can draw inspiration from the students, who are providing fresh perspectives on building a sustainable future for all of society,” says Richard Tsang, Chairman of SPRG. “Our firm believes that the FCF’s mission of supporting students and young professionals entering the industry, while addressing sustainability and social responsibility in public relations, is an important one,” says Bill Carlson, President of Tucker/Hall.“Sustainability is one of the most pressing topics in today’s society,” says Allard W. van Veen, Founder of The PR Trust, the 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that administers the Future Communicators Foundation. “I firmly believe that PR professionals can play a more prominent role in promoting sustainability. We hope that the FCF Scholarship will help to develop students’ social conscience and encourage them to make an impact, in terms of promoting a fair and sustainable world.” 

In observance of World Menopause Day, ON PURPOSE, a creative consultancy specialising in social change communications, is proud to announce the launch of an industry-first Menopause Leave Policy. Following the success of its path breaking ‘Period Chutti’ menstrual leave initiative, the new policy aims to address one of the most overlooked workplace challenges: Menopause. The policy is launched in collaboration with BleedEqual, an advocacy organisation advancing menstrual health awareness and gender equality beyond the socially created idea of femininity and womanhood.In India, menopause typically begins around age 46, earlier than the global average of 51. With many set to enter this phase by 2026, creating an inclusive workplace to support those experiencing menopause is crucial. Key features of the Menopause Leave Policy include:Menopause Leave: Employees are entitled to up to six days of paid leave per year, which can be used as needed throughout the year.Flexible Working Arrangements: Employees can request flexible hours or remote work options to manage symptoms like insomnia, low energy, and mood changes.Open Dialogues: ON PURPOSE will host educational sessions to destigmatize menopause, encouraging a supportive and understanding environmentDr. Nalini Kaushik, Founder, Bleed Equal, said: "The launch of this policy is a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the challenges many women face during menopause. Our survey at ON PURPOSE showed a strong interest in a menopause policy, but relatively low self-assessed knowledge of menopause, underscoring the need for more education and awareness initiatives. By launching this policy, ON PURPOSE is not only addressing these gaps but also setting a new standard for workplace inclusivity and support for women going through this natural phase”"By introducing our Menopause Leave Policy, we’re taking another step towards creating a supportive, stigma-free environment for all employees. Open dialogue and flexibility are at the heart of this policy. We want you to know you're not alone. We hope to encourage other organisations to follow our lead in addressing these critical and often overlooked issues" - Girish Balachandran, Founder and Managing Director, ON PURPOSE.This initiative continues ON PURPOSE’s commitment to creating a gender-inclusive workplace, having previously implemented its ‘Period Chutti’ policy and signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). By addressing the unique challenges of menopause, ON PURPOSE seeks to improve the overall well-being and performance of its employees, reaffirming its dedication to inclusivity and support.

DreamWeb India, a PR & Digital Marketing Agency in Noida, known for DWI Content Studio, DWI’s Inspiring Women Every Wednesday interviews, and social Media Marketing services, is excited to announce the launch of HAPPY DEALS its special promotional campaign in celebration of the festival season. Running from October 3rd to November 3rd, this exclusive campaign offers B2B clients up to 25% off on a wide range of digital marketing services. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses are continuously seeking effective ways to enhance their online presence and connect with their target audience. This limited-time offer allows companies to leverage DreamWeb India’s expertise in areas such as Social Media Marketing, Design Services, Content Writing Services, and Pay-PerClick advertising, all at a significantly reduced cost. Key Highlights of the Promotional Campaign: • Discounts up to 25% on a variety of digital marketing services • Valid for new and existing B2B clients • Offer period: October 3rd to November 3rd, 2024 • Discounts valid until March 31, 2025 for the services contracted during the promotional period “Each year, we notice festival promotions focus on consumer products, leaving a gap in discounts and offers for B2B services. As a service provider, I feel every home-grown brands requires marketing consultation at affordable prices to cut through competition. This campaign is our way of reaching out to Indian companies, allowing them to experience our creativity firsthand, on time, and at reduced rates,” remarks Preeti Juneja, Founder, DreamWeb India.

Irvine Partners, a leading creative communications agency with an international footprint, has teamed up with marketing intelligence company Measurebyte to introduce a comprehensive communications maturity scorecard. This innovative tool is designed to empower businesses of all sizes to assess and enhance the effectiveness of their marketing strategies.“We've seen clients boost their lead generation capabilities fourfold and increase revenue by up to 47% after implementing improvements identified through our Maturity Scorecard,” says Neil Pursey, CEO and co-founder of Measurebyte. “This partnership with Irvine Partners extends that capability into communications and will help more businesses unlock their full marketing potential.”By partnering with Irvine Partners, Measurebyte has extended its renowned Maturity Scorecard to specifically address the unique challenges and opportunities within the communications industry. The scorecard provides a detailed evaluation of an organisation's communications effectiveness across four critical pillars: Insights, Strategy, Creative, and Media.How the scorecard benefits businesses  The Communications Maturity Scorecard offers several advantages:  Data-driven insights: It ensures that marketing strategies are grounded in robust data, enabling informed decision-making  Strategic alignment: It guarantees that communications efforts are closely aligned with overall business objectives  Creative excellence: It helps organisations to create compelling content that resonates with their target audience  Optimised media spend: It ensures that marketing resources are allocated effectively to maximise ROI.Irvine Partners' contributionIrvine Partners' deep expertise in creative communications has been instrumental in tailoring the scorecard to meet the needs of businesses across multiple industry sectors. “Unfortunately many marketing teams may not understand exactly what their communication needs are,” says Irvine Partners CEO Rachel Irvine (pictured).“This benchmarking and measurement offering provides our clients the opportunity to assess and understand their needs and for us to better meet those needs.”. The assessment processThe assessment process involves a collaborative effort between Irvine Partners and Measurebyte consultants. By evaluating various aspects of a company's communications practices, the scorecard provides a comprehensive assessment, grading effectiveness. This allows businesses to quickly identify areas for improvement and prioritise their efforts accordingly.Leading businesses such as Visa, Showmax, and Morningstar Credit have already benefited from the insights provided by the Communications Maturity Scorecard. "The MaturityScore session was invaluable. In just one hour, we gained insights that would have taken weeks to uncover on our own,” says Rinchen Olthang, Global Brand & Marketing at Morningstar Credit. “The clear prioritisation of initiatives has allowed us to focus our efforts and resources where they'll have the most impact."

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has announced the relaunch of its new Global Advisory Board, a strategic initiative designed to bolster the Association’s international reach and reinforce its status as the world’s largest professional body for PR professionals.The Global Advisory Board will focus on four key workstreams: Talent, Ethics, Innovation, and Future. Each workstream aims to address crucial aspects of the PR industry, driving forward best practices and ensuring the sector's continued growth and relevance on a global scale.Talent: This workstream is dedicated to addressing talent-related challenges within the industry. Key areas of focus include bridging the gap between education and the workplace, enhancing recruitment strategies, and improving training and salary benchmarking. The board will also address social impacts and refine the PRCA’s approach to education.Ethics: Building on the achievements of the PRCA Ethics Council, this workstream will work to lift ethical standards in the global PR industry. Key activities will include developing ethical codes of conduct, creating forums for ethical debate, and sharing best practices. Collaboration with the PRCA Standards Committee and efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) will also be central to this workstream.Innovation: This workstream will explore a wide range of issues related to innovation in public relations practice. It will focus on the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, on the industry, as well as thought leadership on technological and media trends shaping public relations.Future: This workstream will advocate for the PR industry’s role in a rapidly changing world. It will address the global operations of PR agencies, the industry's response to geopolitical shifts, and strategies for enhancing the sector’s visibility and influence.The PRCA’s Global Advisory Board is composed by:Nitin Mantri, Regional Executive Managing Director, APAC I WE Comms & Group CEO, Avian WELee Nugent, Regional Director, APAC at Archetype (Vice Chair) (SEA)Mary Beth West, Consultant at Mary Beth West (USA)Ahmad Itani, Founder & CEO at Cicero & Bernay Communication Consultancy (MENA)Alex Aiken (UK)Barbara Phillips, Founder at Brownstone Communications (UK)Caroline Hsu, Chief Global Officer at The Hoffman AgencyPaul Cohen, Partner, CEO North America at Milk & Honey (USA)Patrícia Ávila, Regional Director at Agora (Brazil)Jim Donaldson, CEO and Founder at the Jim Donaldson Partnership (UK)Kwame Senou, Executive Director at THOP (Ivory Coast)Viroslava Novosylna, CEO & Founder at Slova Tech PR (Ukraine)Ipelegeng Thibedi, Chief Executive Officer, Africa at Weber Shandwick (South Africa)Omar Qirem, Chief Executive Officer, Middle East, and Deputy Chair of Corporate Affairs, EMEA at Edelman (MENA)PRCA Global Advisory Board Chair, Nitin Mantri, said,“The PRCA Global Advisory Board is uniquely positioned to shape the evolution of PR by navigating the complex interplay between business, society, and geopolitics. As Chair, I see this as a critical opportunity to bring diverse perspectives together, set new standards, and redefine communications. Our role is transformative, and I am excited about the potential of this board to elevate the value we bring to brands and communities alike.”PRCA Global Advisory Board Vice Chair, Lee Nugent, said, “I’m honoured to have been appointed to the PRCA’s Global Advisory Board and look forward to working with my fellow board members and the PRCA team, helping the organisation to continue to successfully serve our international membership base. I look forward to helping members drive professional best practice in communications, no matter where in the world they’re located.”

Action Global Communications, a multi-award-winning integrated communications agency, has officially relaunched in Saudi Arabia. The move further solidifies Action’s presence in the Middle East, complementing its existing offices in the UAE and Qatar which, respectively, celebrate 30 and 20-year operational milestones this year.  Building on three decades of legacy in the GCC, the independent agency brings its extensive regional expertise and global capabilities to the Kingdom. Based in Riyadh, Action Global Communications Saudi Arabia offers 360° integrated services, ranging from traditional communications solutions to digital strategies and creative production. The expansion and re-entry into Saudi Arabia follow Action Global Communications’ recent recognition at the prestigious PR Week Global Awards in London, where the group was named Best Agency in the Middle East 2024.  Action’s on-the-ground relaunch in Saudi Arabia builds upon numerous high-profile projects in the Kingdom led by the company’s regional team, including two consecutive years of spearheading PR and media relations at LEAP - the world's largest tech gathering. Other notable events by Action include the cybersecurity conference BlackHat MEA, InFlavour, the PFL MENA Fight series, and a prestigious Disney concert featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Lang Lang at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dammam. Additionally, Action oversees communications for InterContinental Hotels Group in Saudi Arabia and the broader region, as well as corporate communications in Saudi Arabia for multinational technology group, Zoho Corporation.  Commenting on the significance of Action’s official re-entry into the Saudi market, Euan Megson, managing director, Action Global Communications MENA, said: “In recent years, Saudi Arabia has firmly established itself as a global hub for innovation and business growth. The Kingdom is undergoing a transformative journey of diversification and modernisation through its Vision 2030. By bringing Action’s three-decade regional legacy and extensive expertise in communications, marketing, and production to the Saudi market, we align with the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Re-launching our presence in the Kingdom marks a significant milestone in Action's history and reaffirms our steadfast commitment to the Middle East.”  Barry King, general manager of Action Global Communications in Saudi Arabia, added: “Our regional teams have delivered exceptional work in the Kingdom over the past half decade, achieving results which have yielded a robust pipeline of multi-sector opportunities. With the continued growth and evolution in Saudi Arabia, now is the optimum time for us to re-establish a physical in-market presence to ensure we continue delivering high quality work, and value, for current clients and future prospects.”

Kaizzen, an award-winning integrated agency, has announced Kaizzen Global – it's own extensive network and trusted global partners to provide real-time knowledge and service excellence across the globe. Building on years of global recognition and industry-leading innovation, this new venture is driven by a strategic vision for the future, creative storytelling, and devotion to accomplishing impactful outcomes.  Kaizzen already has a proven track record of delivering customized communication campaigns around the world, including local PR and digital consultancy. With our current and expanding network, Kaizzen will be able to swiftly deliver across 80+ markets in the US, Europe, Australia, MENA, APAC, Africa and South America.  “Kaizzen Global will offer a comprehensive suite of services that extend beyond traditional PR, encompassing strategic communications, digital marketing, crisis management, ESG consulting, and more. Kaizzen set up its first global footprint in Dubai last year. Now, we are scaling our expertise to help businesses adapt, innovate, and lead in today’s competitive market. Kaizzen Global represents not just growth but a transformation in brand communication, staying ahead of the curve to ensure that our clients not only thrive but also shape the future of the industry.” Vineet Handa, Founder and CEO of Kaizzen. Kaizzen Global will be a collective platform, forming an exclusive alliance of independent communication agency partners. The partners along with Kaizzen will offer professional expertise to clients in projects and retainers. Our partners will enjoy the benefit of market referrals and will have the first right of refusal. The network will also include localized knowledge sharing and on – ground insights services. A win – win situation for our collective clients who can enjoy value adds and expanded services on request while the partner will enjoy exclusive servicing rights in their respective markets.  Ranked as the 7th fastest growing agency worldwide (PRovoke), Kaizzen in its 17th year of existence, has grown exponentially in size, network, client base, business and operations. With 200+ storytellers, 7 offices and 80+ market presence across the globe, Kaizzen is committed to providing the best to our clients anytime and anywhere.  

Shiva Bhavani, founder-CEO of Wing Communications, has launched his new podcast channel, "Keep It Real with Shiva Bhavani." Targeting Telugu speakers across the globe, the podcast aims to provide valuable insights across various domains such as entrepreneurship, personal finance, fashion, etiquette, politics, meditation, mental health, and communication skills. With each episode, Shiva Bhavani brings listeners into an engaging and insightful conversation, breaking down complex subjects into practical, relatable lessons for everyday life.The podcast, hosted by Bhavani himself, is designed to be a go-to source for Telugu-speaking professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals eager to expand their knowledge. Through conversations with industry experts, thought leaders, and influential figures, "Keep It Real" promises to uncover real stories behind the success, struggles, and journeys of those who have made their mark in diverse fields. Whether it’s a finance guru simplifying investment strategies or a fashion mogul sharing their creative process, each episode offers revelations that resonate with the global Telugu audience.Shiva Bhavani’s vision for the podcast aligns with his personal journey as a successful entrepreneur and leader. As the founder of Wing Communications, a leading PR and digital marketing agency based in India, Bhavani has always been passionate about empowering others through knowledge and communication. His new podcast is an extension of that mission, offering a platform where listeners can learn, grow, and be inspired.

Havas Japan has expanded its service offerings with the launch of Havas Red Japan, a merged media model that brings together the group's existing services in the country. Masashi Kitaichi has been appointed as Managing Director to lead this new capability.The move follows the successful launch of Havas Red in India last November through the acquisition of PR Pundit, now known as PR Pundit Havas Red. This expansion further strengthens the network's reach in the region.  Havas Red is the global public relations agency micronetwork of the Havas Group, operating in 19 markets worldwide. The agency's impressive client roster includes Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover, Pernod Ricard, adidas, Domino's, Far East Hospitality, Sun Life, and IKEA.“We’ve been fortunate to work already with a wonderful portfolio of clients at the HAVAS Village in Japan. Now, by expanding to become HAVAS Red Japan, we are poised to be even more powerful and integrated partners for these clients on everything from social media to experiential to public relations,” said Masashi. “Japan is a key market for Havas, and enhancing our capabilities here is central to our One Asia strategy. By broadening our reach and engaging with one of the world’s most dynamic and progressive audiences, we are reinforcing our commitment to creating meaningful connections and delivering impactful narratives,” said Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, Southeast and North Asia.“Havas Japan has seen significant growth over the last 3 years and by launching Havas Red in Japan with Masashi leading the capability, we are not only expanding our service offerings but also positioning ourselves to better meet the specific demands of this market," said Darrell Nelson, CEO, Havas Japan.

SOCIETY, an independent, female-founded marketing communications agency, has expanded its global reach with the official launch of its US operations in Chicago.Leading the charge is Katie Rosholt, a seasoned marketing veteran with over two decades of experience. Her impressive resume includes executive roles at prominent brands like Vital Proteins and Pvolve.Joining Rosholt is Will Lehnertz, a communications and brand storytelling expert. With a career spanning organizations like Qantas, Woolworths Group, and Netflix, Lehnertz brings a wealth of experience in film and series publicity.Rounding out the US team is Minnie Arnold, whose diverse background in marketing, communications, and operations has equipped her with a unique perspective. Her previous roles at companies such as Filmhub, Kittch, Bliss Point Media, and NBCUniversal have honed her skills in the entertainment and digital media industries.With this talented team in place, SOCIETY US is poised to deliver exceptional marketing solutions to clients in the American market.

Ideavore Advisory LLP, a new venture led by industry leaders Rohit Adya, Arvind Salunke, Amit Dogra, Proful Lall, and Manish Shyam, has announced its official launch. The firm is dedicated to empowering businesses with strategies to thrive in the ever-changing Indian public policy landscape.Ideavore Advisory LLP is a public policy and corporate affairs advisory firm that helps corporates navigate the complexities of the Indian public policy process and build strong stakeholder relationships. The firm’s team of experienced professionals deeply understands the Indian public policy process and the key stakeholders involved.Ideavore is a term used to describe people who are passionate about generating new ideas and bringing them to life. Ideavores are constantly brainstorming, experimenting, and prototyping new ways of doing things. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. That’s what each one of us is and walk the talk of our values which we as a team will create this valuable respected organisation. “We are excited to launch Ideavore Advisory LLP, which aims to provide bespoke strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of each business,” said Rohit Adya, Founder Chairman of Ideavore Advisory LLP. “Our team is committed to cultivating lasting relationships with our clients and stakeholders, ensuring a seamless experience and sustainable outcomes.” Arvind Salunke, Founder Director, Ideavore Advisory LLP, added “At Ideavore we are focussing towards empowering seamless business operations with strategic corporate affairs solutions for our clients for a stronger, more connected business future. Proful Lall, Director -North at Ideavore Advisory LLP, added” "Delighted to be a part of Ideavore as we embark on our journey. Looking forward to delivering what Ideavore stands for - passionate about generating new ideas, and solutions and bringing them to life!" Amit Dogra, Director -West at Ideavore Advisory LLP, added: "Excited to be a part of the great team, where we work with our clients as partners to brainstorming and experiment with new ways to work the right things for their business expansion." Manish Shyam, Director -South at Ideavore Advisory LLP, said: “I am delighted to be a part of Ideavore Advisory, a firm dedicated to understanding and influencing the forces that shape industries and communities. Together, we look forward to driving meaningful change and creating lasting impact." The firm offers various services, including public policy and corporate affairs strategies, advocacy and planning, stakeholder engagement and management, corporate social responsibility advisory, and crisis communication and management. With a deep understanding of the evolving dynamics of the Indian public policy and corporate affairs space, Ideavore Advisory LLP is well-equipped to help businesses navigate the complexities of this space.

Havas Malaysia has been selected to lead the marketing efforts for Proton's new electric vehicle sub-brand e.MAS. This significant win highlights Havas Malaysia's strength in combining creative, media, and public relations expertise to deliver a cohesive marketing strategy.As the lead agency, Havas Malaysia will oversee the strategic planning, creative direction, and social media initiatives for the e.MAS launch. They will be supported by two key partners: Invictus Blue, responsible for media planning and buying, and H/Advisors Klareco, handling public relations efforts.The collaboration between these agencies aims to ensure a successful and impactful introduction of Proton's electric vehicle lineup in Malaysia, a key market for the automotive giant. The launch of e.MAS represents Proton's commitment to innovation and sustainability, as the company positions itself at the forefront of the rapidly growing EV market in the region.Nizwani Shahar, Chief Executive Officer, Havas Malaysia, said: "This is a landmark achievement for Havas Malaysia. To be the integrated marketing partner for our national pride and joy, Proton e.MAS, is a significant responsibility that we are committed to fulfilling with our utmost abilities and capabilities.” The e.MAS launch is anticipated to be a major milestone for Proton as it expands its portfolio into the electric vehicle segment. With growing consumer interest in eco-friendly transportation options, this launch is expected to attract significant attention and set new standards in the Malaysian automotive industry.Havas Malaysia’s integrated approach, supported by Invictus Blue and H/Advisors Klareco, will be crucial in driving the campaign’s success, ensuring that Proton’s e.MAS brand resonates with a broad audience and establishes a strong presence in the competitive EV market.

Singapore-based creative agency, The Meatmen Group, has announced the launch of its Malaysian arm Goodbite Asia. This expansion aims to cater to the growing demands of businesses in both Singapore and Malaysia.Goodbite Asia and The Meatmen Group now offer a comprehensive range of services, including:- Public Relations- Events Management- Influencer Management- Video and Photo Production- Live Event Coverage- F&B Recipe and Product Consultation- Digital Marketing and Brand StrategyDedicated to crafting experiences and building communities, Goodbite Asia is poised to drive business growth and success in the region.Stanley Phua, CEO, The Meatmen Group, said: "The decision to start in Malaysia serves to fill the needs in the market for a boutique creative agency that could offer end-to-end services from strategy development to on-ground and digital execution in both Malaysia and Singapore. We wanted to offer our clients a one-stop solution for any and all campaigns that can help streamline marketing plans, consolidate their outreach efforts and build lasting communities.”Anna Loi, Country Manager of Goodbite Asia and Regional Communications Director of The Meatmen Group, said: “Goodbite doesn’t just bridge the gap between the two countries but also leverages on the expansive pool of talent in Malaysia. Our expansion in Malaysia enables us to tap into the creative minds in the country and also offer localised, strategic support to our growing portfolio of clients.”

Strategic communications agency Archetype has joined forces with Australian startup BillWill to launch its innovative open banking solution for pre-death bill planning. Leveraging Archetype's expertise in public relations, digital marketing, and media buying, combined with its extensive experience in the tech sector, BillWill is poised for success.The partnership between Archetype and BillWill marks a reunion for BillWill's Founder, Colin Jowell, and Archetype's Principal Consultant, Jillian Nalty, who collaborated at an ad agency over a decade ago. Jillian said: "When I found out that Colin was launching BillWill, I knew I had to reach out. Not every tech start-up has the potential for connecting with audiences on a human-level, BillWill does. Archetype has been working with tech brands in Australia for 25 years and this experience has taught us at that despite perpetual disruption, our need to connect on an authentic human level never changes. Working with a start-up from the very beginning is an incredibly rewarding experience and I’m so pleased we are able to deliver a solution that seamlessly integrates both paid and earned channels." With 25 years of experience working with tech brands in Australia, Archetype understands the importance of authentic human connections in a rapidly evolving industry. (Image: Colin Jowell, Founder, BillWill & Jillian Nalty, Principal Consultant, Archetype.)

Award-winning public relations agency Havas Red has announced the global launch of INDUSTRY, an end-to-end strategic communications service. INDUSTRY will empower B2B brands to confidently navigate the evolving external pressures, enhanced scrutiny, changing media consumption habits and elevated expectations transforming communications today.  To mark the launch of INDUSTRY, HAVAS Red has released its latest white paper, “Inside Person-to-Person (P2P) Communications: Brand Stewardship via Human Connection.” It outlines best practices and trends for B2B brands who want to understand how to forge powerful personal connections with audiences across their value chain — including employees, customers, suppliers, partners, investors, shareholders, regulators and community leaders.  HAVAS Red’s INDUSTRY is led by experts in media relations, social and content, and experiential who bring a history of developing creative, purpose-driven, person-to-person communications campaigns that have a tangible business impact. The practice’s expansion into a global offering is the result of increasing demand for strategic communications programs that are integrated across channels and audiences and that remain sensitive to a volatile cultural, political, economic and technological climate.  “Now is a critical time for B2B leaders to build and maintain a positive reputation, and that really does take a village,” said James Wright, global CEO of the HAVAS Red Group and global chair of the HAVAS PR Global Network. “There are ever-increasing expectations that B2B companies speak to how their companies are staying aligned to ideals around purpose, and that’s being magnified by the 24-7, multichannel news environment.” Wright adds:“Across the HAVAS Red Group we have been immersed in this area for many years and have seen how it’s evolving at pace. We presently are working with B2B businesses and brands across industry verticals, from professional services, fintech and tech to automotive, manufacturing and chemicals. INDUSTRY thus represents a natural next step to formalize and focus our expertise as a global practice.” INDUSTRY leverages HAVAS Red’s proprietary merged media strategic model. This model replicates the convergence of media consumption — blending traditional and digital publishing, content, social media and data in a way that defines the future of PR as a category. The offering will deliver valuable services customized for each client, across a wide spectrum of communications needs, such as:   Reputation management: A proprietary branding and positioning process elevates companies and puts them in the forefront of conversations — making it clear they are setting the pace in their industries and in the global business market.   Executive visibility: This 360° offering is anchored by a bespoke Personal Branding Idea program, ensuring communication is authentic to an executive’s style and personality, aligned with the organization’s overarching values and voice, activated across all relevant touch points and applied consistently in tone and style.   Brand and product excitement: A holistic approach to brand, product, technology and services launches (and relaunches) that continually differentiates them in the marketplace, showcasing their impact and value.    Crisis and issues management: Protecting the strength of clients’ and brands’ reputations by planning for transparent, open and consistent communications when issues and crises arise.  Influence and constituency building: A proven methodology for developing and fostering relationships with clients’ direct and indirect customers and the businesses, key opinion leaders, media and other constituencies that influence them.   Social and content: Capabilities span writing in longform — articles, white papers, press releases, for example — as well as social content, including graphic design, animation, short and long-form video, illustration and photography/videography.  Other global offerings from HAVAS Red include an end-to-end influencer marketing offering under the brand of SWAY by HAVAS Red in many of its markets around the world; Peaks, its award-winning multichannel executive branding support; Red Impact, a global offering that brings together its ESG and sustainability expertise; HAVAS Red Health, a specialized offering focused on health and wellness; and Red Connect, a B2B content marketing practice.

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

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

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

Leveraging 25 years of experience across Australia, Europe, and Asia Pacific, veteran travel communication professional Chris Waite has launched his own corporate affairs and communications consultancy.Leveraging 25 years of experience across Australia, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Chris Waite has launched his own corporate affairs and communications consultancy.Chris Waite Corporate Affairs & Communications goes beyond just communication. They offer a strategic toolkit to safeguard your reputation, including crisis management, government relations, and responsible business practices. They also specialize in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives, helping businesses navigate the modern landscape.A veteran of the industry, Chris has honed his skills at global brands like IHG Hotels & Resorts, Amadeus IT Group, and Flight Centre. He also brings a unique perspective from his time living and working in Japan, offering invaluable cultural intelligence for businesses seeking to establish a strong presence there.While specializing in the Australian and Japanese markets, Chris is open to working across the broader Asia Pacific region.Chris: The Power of PurposeWith a 25-year track record across continents, Chris wears many hats: a reputation architect, a master storyteller, and a passionate advocate for positive change.He has empowered global giants like IHG Hotels & Resorts, Amadeus IT Group, and Flight Centre to navigate the complexities of building a strong reputation. But his secret weapon? Unleashing the power of purpose. He helps businesses discover their unique story and share it in a way that inspires and builds trust.

iwantanidea.com, a UAE based creative & communications consultancy, has officially launched operations across the country. Founded by seasoned and senior PR and communications professional Omar Khan, iwantanidea.com is a new service that offers bold, creative ideas, bespoke communication strategies and highly professional PR consultation to small-medium enterprises.iwantanidea.com is a service curated for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SME’s to support with ideas, strategies and consultation related to brand awareness, PR or marketing strategies, events, product or service launches, social media campaigns and other creative communication tactics. The nature of the service allows a client to purchase bespoke and creative proposals based off a given brief, whilst retaining full autonomy and rights to bring the idea to life themselves, or through partnering with one of iwantanidea.com’s preferred and recommended partners. At the helm of the new consultancy is Founder and CEO Omar Khan. With over a decade of professional experience within the PR and communications industry in the UAE, Omar brings together strategic-thinking and highly creative campaign ideas across a range of consumer-focused industries, including hospitality, F&B, luxury fashion and lifestyle.The concept of iwantanidea.com is simple. Ideas have value. Whether they’re part of an overall brand strategy, cool concepts for a new business proposal, or part of an internal brainstorm that leads to a fully-fledged executable experience, these all take time, effort and creative insight to develop and deliver. iwantanidea.com believes that it’s important to remunerate agencies, freelancers and creative professionals for the work involved with producing an idea. While most current agency models include these services as part of their overall fee structure, iwantanidea.com offers the choice of a more affordable ‘pay as you go’ model, where clients can purchase bespoke strategies with creative ideas on an ad hoc basis. Each client is provided with an idea that is meticulously produced with relevance to the brief, taking into consideration current trends, insights and data from reputable and locally relevant sources. iwantanidea.com is suited to entrepreneurs, start-ups and SME’s who want creative ideas and professional consultancy to help elevate their businesses, but may not necessarily be able to afford hefty retainer fees for communications and related services.Founder-CEO Omar Khan commented: “The PR and Communications industry needs a shake-up. With Dubai alone seeing a 550% annual rise in global SMEs attracted to the emirate, we need to be able to provide affordable communication services to a phenomenally fast-growing market segment that wants big, bold and creative ideas to help take their businesses to the next level. However, with hefty retainer fees predominantly the only option provided by reputable agencies in the Middle East, many SME’s are unfortunately unable to afford the investment. This is where iwantanidea.com comes into the picture. We provide individual project and tailored rates depending on the scale of the brief, offering more cost-friendly alternatives for clients whilst still ensuring strategic, creative and relevant thinking at its highest level. I’m very excited to be launching iwantanidea.com in the market and look forward to working together with clients, the industry and the region on bringing big ideas to life that are both memorable and impactful.”iwantanidea.com also acts as a conduit to leaders within the communications and creative industry. Placing emphasis and value on the quality of its creative ideas, the service works seamlessly with its network of professionals to ensure flawless execution of the ideas it produces. Whatever the client brief may be, iwantanidea.com is able to give brands the professional guidance and direction they need to drive awareness to new audiences, delivering satisfaction to clients and contributing to the overall success of the regions flourishing SME ecosystem.Raised in the UAE, Omar’s background draws extensive experience across a range of consumer-focused industries, particularly across hospitality, F&B, luxury fashion and lifestyle. He began his career managing operations for several leading establishments in London, before transferring his many years of knowledge and skills to handle PR and communications for global and local brands in the Middle East.Throughout his career, he has worked with International brands including Marriott International, The Hyatt Group, Four Seasons, Rixos, Taj Hotels, World’s 50 Best, Deliveroo, McDonald’s UAE, Dyson, General Motors, Loro Piana, GUCCI, Hugo Boss, Patek Philippe, LINDBERG, VIACOM and many more.

Former Edelman colleagues Susan Redden Makatoa and Peter Fraser, alongside legal expert Mick Bainbridge, have announced the launch of Stratagem Corporate Advisory.This new firm brings together a wealth of experience specifically tailored to support boards and executives. Stratagem offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:  Corporate communications and executive training  Public affairs navigation  Issues mitigation and crisis management  Legal and regulatory engagementStratagem's unique structure allows them to provide legal privilege from the very beginning, a significant advantage when dealing with sensitive matters.Leading the ChargeSusan Redden Makatoa: A CPRA Fellow with over 20 years of agency leadership experience, previously serving as Edelman's Head of Corporate, APAC.Peter Fraser: A seasoned former political advisor and corporate affairs senior counsel, who held the position of lead government relations counsel Australia at Edelman.Mick Bainbridge: Founder of Operational Legal and a renowned advocate for veterans across Australia. Mick has extensive experience collaborating with government and non-profit organisations.This combined expertise positions Stratagem as a powerful ally for boards and executives navigating today's complex business landscape.Stratagem's Managing Director Susan Redden Makatoa said: "We have all been working on complex, high-stakes matters in recent years, which need calm, considered and informed counsel. So, we’ve formed a team with extensive corporate, government and legal expertise to guide our clients through multi-stakeholder corporate, government affairs and legal/regulatory challenges and opportunities." (Image Left to Right : Peter Fraser, Susan Redden Makatoa, Mick Bainbridge.)

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) APAC has launched its first-ever Asia-Pacific ‘PRCA APAC Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (D,E,&I) Charter’’.In response to the growing imperative to prioritise D,E&I in the work of all PR professionals, the PRCA APAC DE&I Committee is proud to launch a comprehensive Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (D,E&I) Charter. This Charter is designed to promote an inclusive and diverse public relations industry across the Asia Pacific region, addressing systemic barriers and guiding industry best practices.This 7-point charter, which has been produced with input from PR and communications practitioners in the region, is one of the many ways that the industry can work towards achieving this goal. It is meant to serve as a set of industry guidelines that PR practitioners can use to guide their work and promote a culture of respect, equality and inclusion.Charu Srivastava, Chair of the PRCA APAC D,E&I Committee and Co-Founder at TriOn & Co, said: “We believe that establishing a robust charter is essential in driving positive and real change within our industry. Our goal is to provide industry practitioners with practical guidelines that promote a culture of respect, equality, and inclusion. These guidelines set a strong foundation for us to build upon as we strive to be an industry that is truly diverse, inclusive and equal in all manners.”

Susie Dullard and Phil Borge-Slavnich, former directors at Eulogy, are taking their expertise to the next level with the launch of their own agency named Woosah.Dullard, a seasoned strategist with eight years at Eulogy, boasts experience at Weber Shandwick and Four Agency Worldwide. Her impressive client list includes Headspace, Coca-Cola, and National Grid.Borge-Slavnich, a Eulogy veteran with two separate tenures as managing director, also brings a wealth of experience from agencies like 1000Heads and Threepipe. His clients have ranged from Pride in London to Oracle.The agency's name, inspired by a scene in "Bad Boys II," signifies a state of composure. As Borge-Slavnich explains, Woosah embodies a two-fold approach: identifying untapped communication opportunities for clients and fostering a sense of calm and confidence amidst challenges.Their decision to strike out on their own stems from a desire to leverage their senior experience in an industry increasingly reliant on automation. They believe clients crave seasoned guidance, and Woosah offers just that – a blend of senior expertise with an agile delivery model.Dullard echoes this sentiment, highlighting a yearning to return to a more hands-on approach, something senior agency roles often limit.Woosah hits the ground running with their first client, Equity Energies, a sustainability consultancy from the FTSE 100 listed DCC. Woosah played a key role in developing Equity Energies' brand and communication strategy, with plans for future campaigns in place.Equity Energies' marketing director, Toby Costar, is effusive about Woosah. He highlights their infectious enthusiasm, storytelling prowess, and ability to meet tight deadlines.Woosah promises a fresh perspective in the communications landscape, combining extensive experience with a dynamic approach.

Weber Shandwick India, today launched the “Elections Matter: India Report”. The survey led by the Corporate Advisory and Public Affairs practice, examined election sentiments around news consumption habits, trust in different information sources and voting behaviours and motivations among Gen Z (18-24 years) and Millennial (25-44) consumers in India. Key findingsMedia consumption behaviour w.r.t. current events, news & politicsGenerational differences in news consumption: Stark contrast exists in news engagement between Millennials and Gen Zs. Over 55% of Millennials followed news daily, compared to about 36% of Gen Z with males significantly more inclined to current events, news & politics. While TV is among the top 3 news sources, there was a significantly lower preference among Gen Zs (44%) compared to Millennials (60%).Reaffirmation of digital consumption surge: YouTube is the leading platform for consumption of current events, news and politics, in keeping with the digital media uptake. It was the dominant information source across all demographics, particularly driven by Delhi, while TV channels were on top in Chennai and Bangalore. It was followed closely by Instagram, TV, and WhatsApp.Most watched is necessarily not the most trusted: Google search, print media, and digital news media had a higher trust quotient compared to most social media platforms.Traditional media resonating stronger for Millennials: Print media continued to have higher acceptance among Millennials. 45% Millennials consumed print media for news and politics compared to only 31% Gen Zs. This preference pattern was evident even in the consumption pattern for television. South India especially Chennai and Bangalore had a stronger leaning to television than the rest of India. Also, 42% males favoured print versus 33% of women. Print media was also high on trust compared to most social media platforms.Concerns about misinformation: After fake news websites, social media influencers topped the list for spreading misinformation. Males in particular were especially distrustful of them.Sentiments towards elections & votingMotivated Millennials and less enthusiastic Gen Zs: Millennials were significantly motivated by elections and voting due to a strong sense of civic duty and the desire for educational reform. Chennai and Hyderabad had a higher sentiment comparatively towards elections. In contrast, Gen Z showed less enthusiasm, hinting at a potential apathy in political engagement. Priority issues for elections and new government expectations: Civic and social factors such as infrastructure development, outweighed economic concerns and party manifesto promises as primary voting motivations across gender and generational cohorts. The state of the economy and education were the most pressing issues both for the current elections and future government focus, reflecting widespread concerns about socio-economic and educational development. This shift suggested a future-oriented approach to polling, with voters seeking macro-level changes for a better future.Regional differences in voting motivations: Voters in Delhi focused on infrastructure development, while those in southern regions, such as Chennai and Bangalore, prioritized voting for candidates who promised to bring about change and impactful leadership.Gender-specific concerns towards elections: While economy, education and public safety were perceived to be among the top priorities for the recent elections, women were particularly interested in women empowerment issues, highlighting the importance of gender-specific policy agendas. Also, over 55% would like the new government to focus on economy, education and healthcare agendas.Commenting on the consumer survey findings, Rohan Kanchan, MD – Consulting and Head of Public Affairs, Weber Shandwick India, said, “This report underscores the dynamic nature of news consumption and electoral engagement in today’s digital age. Even as broader generational trends are known, nuances within the cohorts reveal a break from the pattern. For instance, the connection of Influencers in consumer motivations vis-a-vis trust in perception, might have implications in analyzing corporate reputation and development of future strategies. Our national commonalities peppered with our regional disparities, continue to provide an interesting lens to any consumer study such as Elections Matter.” The survey was conducted by YouGov among 1,000 respondents from the top 10 cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. The demographics of the survey were balanced, with a near-equal split between males (51%) and females (49%), and evenly distributed between Gen Zs and Millennials. 

Today marks the official launch of Burson, a newly formed global communications agency resulting from the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton. This new entity is poised to become one of the industry’s largest players, introducing a modern approach to reputation management in today’s dynamic environment. The merger will be finalized on July 1.Over the past five months, Burson has made multiple global leadership appointments and undergone strategic layoffs to streamline operations. The agency has also unveiled new products, programs, and a brand identity designed to communicate its innovative approach to building and protecting reputations.“Businesses and organizations are operating in a constant state of complexity and uncertainty, marked by rapid advancements in technology, economic volatility, wide-ranging activism, and social and geopolitical turbulence. A strong reputation grounded in action, communicated clearly and creatively, and deployed as capital across stakeholders will enable clients to succeed in this environment. Reputation is a company’s most valuable asset for enhancing perception and growing performance, preference, valuation and return,” said global CEO Corey duBrowa, formerly BCW’s global CEO.  Burson introduces a new framework and consulting methodology to assess and manage client work around four key pillars: company actions, communications, social narratives, and stakeholder beliefs. This work is supported by The Burson Innovation Portfolio, a suite of products leveraging AI technology to address clients' challenges.“In today’s complex operating environment, business leaders are converting pervasive risks into opportunities for innovation and value creation. The Burson Innovation Portfolio, which draws on the technology strengths of our combined agencies and WPP, reflects our promise to combine artificial and human intelligence in ways that help our clients succeed at the intersection of risk, creativity and reinvention. Leading companies are already leveraging these solutions to build and protect reputation in highly material situations. We are committed to both our clients and our employees that Burson will be an engine for their growth and for the enablement of the transformations that the world needs now,” said global chairman AnnaMaria DeSalva.  The Burson Group also includes several specialist agencies: tech agency Axicom, financial communications agency Burson Buchanan, healthcare agency GCI Health, and Hill & Knowlton, which will continue operating under its brand.Burson is committed to professional development and will offer employees comprehensive training through The Burson Academy. This programme includes:Leadership: For career navigation, management, and leadership growth.  Client Excellence: For building strong consultative client relationships.  Craft of Reputation Management: With a focus on writing, media relations, issues management, and creative strategies.  AI/Innovation: For development in data & analytics, AI, the Burson Innovation Portfolio, and new methodologies.“Businesses and organisations are operating in a constant state of complexity and uncertainty, marked by rapid advancements in technology, economic volatility, wide-ranging activism, and social and geopolitical turbulence. A strong reputation grounded in action, communicated clearly and creatively, and deployed as capital across stakeholders will enable clients to succeed in this environment. Reputation is a company’s most valuable asset for enhancing perception and growing performance, preference, valuation and return,” said global CEO Corey duBrowa, formerly BCW’s global CEO.  The agency’s new website, Bursonglobal.com, features executive profiles crafted by Wynn Burson, grandson of agency namesake Harold Burson, who served as art director for the project.

Pure Consulting, a leading Saudi consulting firm, has launched a new international communications unit at the Saudi Management Consultants Association (SAMCA) Forum. The unit, inspired by Vision 2030, will bring together a deep understanding of the local context and vision, exceptional local and international insight, and the best of the worlds communicators to deliver Saudi Arabia’s narrative to the world.Anas Al Safi, Managing Partner, Pure Consulting, speaking at the SAMCA Forum, said: “At Pure Consulting we have always had a strong guiding vision to build a Saudi consulting firm that competes with the best of international firms. The launch of our new International Communications unit, aligned with Vision 2030, is a logical next step. Clients here in Saudi Arabia are looking for partners who understand the local context and vison, who contribute more substantially and sustainably to the growth and prosperity of the nation, and who can deliver Saudi Arabia’s narrative to the world in a highly relevant and effective manner. This new unit will do just that.”Pure International Communications will offer international communications strategy for Saudi clients looking to communicate with critical international audiences from investors to tourists.Pure Consulting is a leading Saudi consulting firm established in 2014 with 100+ employees in offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With accumulated local and global expertise in strategy, marketing, and communications Pure Consulting empowers its team, partners, and community to realize the ambitious future of Saudi Arabia. An exceptional team of industry leaders in Saudi is driven by a profound purpose and passion to lead transformative endeavors, helping public and private organizations succeed in a rapidly evolving world. The team is inspired by a shared commitment to delivering enduring sustainable impact for people and the community through the crafting of strategies that resonate and drive positive change.

Ruder Finn Asia , the award-winning  communications consultancy, today launched the latest version of its SONAR crisis  management simulation platform. SONAR 5.5 allows corporations to practise their level of  crisis preparedness in the face of evolving risks to share price, revenues and reputation. Multi  lingual, SONAR 5.5 can be operated in multiple languages including English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. The platform also incorporates new interactive features which identify potential  areas for future concern allowing for pre-emptive strategy and planning. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hoKO3U3r2K4?si=M7zLKCHply3mT-gW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>When faced with a full-scale issue or crisis, management teams often discover the planning  they have in place fails under pressure. SONAR 5.5 is fast, effective and action-oriented,  designed to identify planning gaps and propose practical, workable, real-world solutions. With close to 100% client satisfaction rates, SONAR 5.5 creates an immersive crisis  environment allowing participants to experience every aspect of a fast-evolving crisis. The  versatile multimedia portal is internet-enabled: SONAR 5.5 simulations can be run for a single  market or global teams of up to 100 people allowing corporations to see where their crisis  planning works and where gaps exist.   SONAR 5.5 replicates every aspect of a crisis situation: negative media reports, share price  impact, stakeholder anger and employee protest. The platform is immersive meaning  participants quickly forget that SONAR is a simulation due to the reality of the created  environment. The output of every SONAR is a more experienced team, upgraded risk  planning, greater vigilance and preparedness for the future.  Ruder Finn Asia has identified the key operational implications of being unprepared for a crisis  or issue as a disorganised response, scattered decision making, absence of strategy and no  sense of mission. This translates to loss of narrative, loss of control and loss of value. Ruder  Finn Asia’s experience has also identified the hallmarks of companies who emerge well from  a crisis: preparation, leadership, action and communication. Charles Lankester, EVP, Global Risk at Ruder Finn Asia said today, “Together, we build  resilience and ensure our clients act with confidence whatever the circumstances. We have  delivered close to 150 SONARs since 2020 and consistently hear how much clients value the  experience and learning. The SONAR team are career experts in reputation and risk  management, ensuring our clients stay ahead of situations wherever possible. Reputation is  a primary global business risk, but most companies are unprepared and under-resourced in  the event of an issue. We are the risk management partner of choice for hundreds of  corporations and bring experience across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia-Pacific and  globally.”  David Ko, Managing Director at Ruder Finn Interactive (RFI), Ruder Finn’s digital  consultancy, said today, “SONAR 5.5 is the result of years of crisis management expertise  and learning, distilled into an actionable, high value platform, updated for the AI era. The crisis  landscape now evolves at an ever-faster pace, so we continually upgrade SONAR to reflect  this new environment. New threats such as deepfakes, voice cloning and bots now require  crisis management with technology that meets the challenge.   Previously, we embedded generative AI into SONAR’s operation, harnessing the power of  ChatGPT to create multimedia injects that simulate interactions with key stakeholders such as  government regulators, activist shareholders, protesting employees and consumer groups.  SONAR 5.5 now streamlines and presents additional interactions visually so that participants  can easily track and manage their crisis decisions and actions. The core of SONAR’s value,  however, remains the expert guidance and coaching conducted by trainers and their real-time  feedback on client team dynamics and effectiveness. This work also incorporates a significant  predictive component, identifying potential areas for future concern and pre-emptive strategy  and planning.” Atul Sharma, CEO Ruder Finn India and Head, Middle East said, “In today's dynamic  business landscape, proactive crisis preparedness is key to protecting your company's image  and strength. Leveraging cutting-edge AI capabilities, SONAR 5.5 isn't just a tool—it's our way  of giving businesses the power to steer through stormy seas. With its innovative features and  user-friendly interface, SONAR 5.5 equips teams with the foresight and confidence needed to  face challenges head-on.” 

Notably, a boutique agency, has unveiled its all-encompassing content creation programme: the Notably Narrative Lab. This lab offers clients a comprehensive suite of custom content designed to elevate brand awareness, engage target audiences, and build brand credibility.The Notably Narrative Lab kicks off with a thorough assessment of clients' existing content strategy, pinpoint areas for improvement, and craft a personalized plan to maximize the content's impact.Notably's senior team will then shepherd the content creation journey, from brainstorming captivating ideas and crafting compelling copy to strategically distributing content and meticulously tracking key performance indicators (KPIs). The content spectrum encompasses blog posts, website copy, newsletters, thought leadership pieces (op-eds), case studies, white papers, captivating speeches, and more.“Content is the bedrock of any organisation. We created the Notably Narrative Lab to help brands tell their unique story and connect with audiences that matter,” says account director and head of content Emily Steates (pictured).

The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) is calling on individuals across the globe to participate in the 11th edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA). Individuals can compete in four distinct categories, focusing on ambitious young individuals with leading communication initiatives, official spokespersons representing government institutions, academics and researchers, and digital content creators transforming the media landscape with their creativity. Nominations are open until August 1st through the website www.igcc.ae.Best Youth InitiativeThe Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication category is dedicated to individuals or youth groups that have launched impactful communication initiatives to strengthen and advance government communication. These initiatives should enhance government communication programmes through innovative tools, effective communication with the public, or inspiring governments to launch projects aligned with the youth campaign’s message.Eligibility criteria include alignment with the general objectives of government communication, such as promoting transparency, raising public awareness, and encouraging youth participation in public affairs. Sustainability, with a clear plan for continuity and development, is also preferred. Additionally, inclusivity and diversity in age, gender, and cultural background are integral criteria, along with compliance with local and international laws and adherence to high ethical standards.Best Official SpokespersonThe Best Official Spokesperson (employed in a government agency) award honours second-line official spokespersons who have demonstrated impactful delivery of government messages, efficiently managing crises, professionalism and innovation, and creating significant positive impact. The winner will be determined based on the media presence, use of various media platforms to enhance their organisation’s image and achieve strategic goals, commitment to ethical and professional standards, adaptability to changes, and the ability to present information innovatively and creatively.Best Purposeful Digital Content CreatorThe Best Purposeful Digital Content Creator awards recognize exceptional individuals in two age categories: one for creators over 18 and another for those under 18. These awards honor content creators who use digital media to make a positive impact. The content must have a tangible impact on society. Applicants are expected to showcase exceptional skills and creativity using digital tools to publish content on social media platforms and achieve wide interaction and continuous engagement.Best Research in Communication SciencesThe Best Research in Communication Sciences is awarded to research that contributes to the development of government communication and presents new and innovative communication technologies, methodologies, and applications. Eligible research must be endorsed by reputable academic institutions or have gained wide recognition and appreciation among readers and professionals, demonstrating a deep understanding of government communication objectives and effectively contributing to achieving them.Submission criteriaTo ensure a successful submission to the SGCA, applicants are advised to submit an executive summary not exceeding 250 words, as well as a comprehensive and organised 1,000 words file that uses headings, paragraphs, and illustrations to support the submission in addition to a summary or table of contents as an overview of the file. It is also recommended that the award file include introductory attachments such as infographics, videos, and photos, all of which must meet the specific criteria of the award category. Participants can submit their works that meet the award's criteria through the website, where comprehensive details about the categories, criteria, and participation requirements for each have been provided.

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) successfully hosted its 9th edition of the UAE Leadership Majlis. The prestigious event gathered more than 100 industry leaders, under the theme "The Potential and Dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI)" at the New York University Abu Dhabi, The Arts Centre, Abu Dhabi. The event also saw the launch of the MEPRA AI Guidelines; Developed by MEPRA’s AI Committee the guidelines aim to provide a framework for using AI for communications professionals in the Middle East. The guidelines are intended to be used alongside direction, policies and references to help inform ethical and legal use of the technology in our working lives.The Leadership Majlis explored the multidimensional aspects of AI, where it hosted experts from across the industry that brought insight through the diversity of their expertise and knowledge. The Majlis provided the optimum platform to explore opportunities and solutions for the communications industry in supporting the ever evolving incorporation of AI in daily practices in the communications industry and beyond. “At G42, we are deeply committed to shaping the future of AI, ensuring it acts as a catalyst for positive change. MEPRA's event allowed us to have productive conversations about the opportunities and challenges brought forth by AI for communications and marketing professionals. AI is not just enhancing storytelling, streamlining processes and supporting creativity; it's redefining our thinking patterns, consumer behaviour and the way we communicate with one another. Our dedication to advancing these technologies responsibly underscores our mission, as we continue to innovate with a strong emphasis on ethical practices and societal well-being in collaboration with industry associations,” commented Faheem Ahamed, Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at G42Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer, Dubai Holding, and Jonty Summers, Managing Director, Hanover Middle East were honoured with the MEPRA Fellowship award for their outstanding contributions to the communications industry."As this year's MEPRA Majlis concludes, we are pleased that this year's theme 'The Potential and Dangers of Artificial Intelligence' produced profound discussions and insights that have emerged from our exploration of the event. It has not only served as a platform for thought leadership but also as a catalyst for actionable strategies within the communications industry. The engagement and enthusiasm from our community have been truly inspiring! Together, we have taken a significant step forward in understanding how AI can be harnessed responsibly to enhance our work and the businesses we support. MEPRA remains committed to leading these essential conversations, ensuring our members are at the cutting edge of communication trends and technologies." highlighted Kate Midttun, MEPRA Chairperson and Founder/CEO, Acorn Strategy."The MEPRA UAE Leadership Majlis 2024 partners included CARMA, Mubadala, and APCO.MEPRA is the leading industry body for the public relations and communications industry in the Middle East, with over 1,000 members. Founded in 2001, MEPRA drives growth, sets standards of excellence, and fosters a strong, connected community of PR professionals.

EatMoreFruit, a leading UK healthcare communications agency (formerly Road Communications), has launched the EatMoreFruit European Network. This network brings together select boutique agencies across Europe to provide comprehensive support for clients in the diagnostics, medtech, life sciences, and pharmaceutical sectors.The network fosters collaboration between member agencies, allowing them to combine their expertise and creativity to deliver lasting results for clients.Paul Jarman, (pictured), CEO of EatMoreFruit, emphasizes the network's ability to leverage diverse strengths and offer a comprehensive service.The network's initial members include:  PR-B: Covers France, Italy, and Spain.  SER Communications: Covers DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) regions.  Agenda CPH: Serves the Nordic countries.Benefits for clients:Local Expertise: Gain insights into local healthcare policies, practices, cultures, and media landscapes.Clinical & Commercial Connections: Access valuable clinical and commercial networks within each region.Event & Conference Support: Receive assistance with organizing and executing impactful local conferences and events.

AI-driven media intelligence platform Wizikey has launched two features to enhance the measurement of thought leadership. Industry Share of Voice and Explore: The industry's first-ever tool that enables brands to measure their share of voice not just against a select group of competitors, but against the entire “Industry”.Wizikey's Industry Share of Voice is inspired by the challenges faced by businesses in emerging economies, where companies and leaders often bear the flag for their industries without a clear way to measure their efforts. Before this tool, measuring an Industry Share of Voice was nearly impossible, even with the help of excel sheets. The tool not only allows users to measure their efforts but also provides insights into industry trends."According to PwC, by 2035, AI is predicted to increase productivity. The Global State of AI 2022 report reveals that 87% of organizations believe AI will help them grow revenue, boost efficiency, and improve services. I understand the challenges PR and corporate communication teams face. Research, analysis, and strategizing take up so much time. Wizikey is here to help. Our AI tools are designed to give you a holistic view of your brand and industry, with pinpoint accuracy and incredible speed. We're committed to making your job easier, so you can focus on what truly matters," said Aakriti Bhargava, Co-Founder, Wizikey.Leveraging cutting-edge AI and advanced Named Entity Recognition (NER) capabilities developed in-house, Wizikey sets a new standard for precision, speed, and depth in media insights. These additions showcase Wizikey's commitment to advancing AI technologies and solidify its position as the go-to tool for PR and communication professionals. With advanced AI and scalable Large Language Models (LLM) developed in-house, Wizikey increases efficiency, providing a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business landscape. Industry Insights: Competitive Intelligence at Your FingertipsWizikey's Industry Insights feature provides a deep dive into competitive landscapes, offering SOV analysis and revealing crucial data like market share, top-performing brands, key spokespersons, and emerging trends. This AI-powered intelligence enables PR and communication professionals to benchmark performance against competitors, identify thought leaders and influencers, and uncover industry-specific trends and opportunities.Explore Feature: Instant Insights for Strategic Decision-MakingThe Explore Page empowers users to unlock comprehensive media insights with a simple keyword search, providing an instantaneous overview of top brands, influential spokespersons, trending topics, and geographical buzz across the globe. PR professionals can leverage these insights for various use cases, such as identifying key markets for geo-expansion, monitoring competitor activities and market share, tracking brand sentiment, narrative, reputation, and discovering emerging trends and opportunities."The Explore Page empowers businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions quickly. It's not just about monitoring mentions; it's about understanding the bigger picture and staying ahead of the curve," said Aakriti Bhargava, Co-founder of Wizikey.These tools address a significant challenge for PR and Corporate Communication professionals: sifting through vast amounts of media data to find actionable insights and . Typically, PR pros spend up to 30 hours a week on research and analysis for effective strategies. With Wizikey’s new AI tools, they can now access unparalleled insights at lightning speed, slashing the time and effort needed to monitor the industry and analyze trends. Additionally, these features enable robust ROI analysis, allowing professionals to measure the impact of their campaigns and optimize their strategies more effectively.Wizikey recently launched Imara AI, an AI-led “Chief Reporting” avatar for PR and communication teams. Imara AI serves as a virtual reporting assistant, streamlining the creation of comprehensive, data-driven reports in minutes. Furthermore, the company has introduced AI Labs, which provides professionals with tools to generate data-led dossiers and reports quickly and efficiently, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions based on real-time insights.

COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, headquartered in Makati City in the Philippines, has announced the launch of the COMCO School of Communications.This new venture positions the agency as a leader in communications training and professional development, catering to the industry's growing demand for skilled professionals.The school boasts a comprehensive curriculum with four main programs. The CODEVA program equips participants with expertise in PR fundamentals, media relations, crisis communication, social media management, content marketing, internal communications, and corporate social responsibility. Additional programs include PRODEVA, focusing on management and leadership development, ACADEX, and the award-winning Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, which fosters talent development in communication, marketing, and multimedia arts.“COMCO Mundo advocates for professional training and continuing education as we believe that as serious and committed practitioners amid the changing times, we have to be always informed, updated and upskilled to be able to deliver the demands of our profession, showcase best practices in the industry, and be of service to the society. Through COMCO School of Communications, we are able to organize, grow and share our training services that will help aspiring and current practitioners in the filed who aspire to be on top of their game," said Ferdinand Bondoy, Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel, Partner and Co-Founder at COMCO Mundo.

The PHA Group, an independent PR, digital and creative agency, has launched Dig & Dig, its first international agency. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Dig & Dig will offer a comprehensive suite of digital and social media services to propel brands forward.Dig & Dig boasts a robust service portfolio encompassing organic and paid social media, influencer marketing, digital PR, SEO, PPC, and content marketing. The agency is spearheaded by a seasoned Boston-based team led by Executive Vice President Matt Raven. Raven will oversee day-to-day operations, supported by Desiree Dileso, the agency's Vice President and Head of Paid Media. Both report directly to PHA's joint Group MDs, Shelley Frosdick and Stuart Skinner.Dig & Dig launches with a roster of impressive, fast-growing clients, including Workstorm, a leading secure work collaboration platform. Teams across the group's UK and US offices will collaborate seamlessly to service these programs.Matt Raven brings over 16 years of experience in digital marketing, search, and content strategy. He has a proven track record of success across owned, earned, and paid channels. Prior to Dig & Dig, Raven led the Digital practice at Look Left Marketing as Vice President and Head of Digital, crafting and executing breakthrough, insight-driven integrated programs for technology companies. Previously, he played a pivotal role at Boston-based agency SHIFT Communications, where he developed and launched the industry's first performance-based earned media offering, Optimized PR. Raven's experience spans renowned brands like Warby Parker, Citrix, and GoDaddy. He is a highly respected figure in the Boston business community, regularly engaging with students at Boston University and sharing his expertise at local industry events.Desiree Dileso is a digital media powerhouse with over 14 years of experience in planning, buying, and executing successful Paid Media campaigns. At Dig & Dig, she leverages her extensive expertise gained from over 13 years with independent media agency PGR Media. Dileso served as VP, Media Director at PGR, leading all aspects of integrated channel planning, from audience development and communication strategy to forecasting and reporting. Her deep understanding of the paid media landscape encompasses social, programmatic, CTV, audio, display, custom content, and outdoor advertising. Her hands-on approach and strategic vision have empowered numerous brands, including Vera Bradley, Sheraton Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Celebrity Cruises, and StriVectin, to confidently scale their marketing investments. Deeply involved in Boston's ad community, Dileso is a member of the Boston Interactive Media Association (BIMA) and has served on its board for over eight years.Dig & Dig marks a significant milestone for The PHA Group, following a period of substantial growth and investment spearheaded by Frosdick and Skinner since their appointment as joint MDs in April 2020.“The launch of Dig & Dig is the culmination of 18 months of meticulous planning and research,” commented Shelley Frosdick and Stuart Skinner. “We are incredibly proud of the Dig & Dig brand, which will be the first of many new agencies to join The PHA Group family.”“Client demand for international support and access to a new market were the driving forces behind Dig & Dig,” they continued. “Boston, with its thriving sectors and exceptional talent pool, is a perfect fit for our first international venture. We're excited to establish a strong presence here.”Frosdick and Skinner emphasized the collaborative nature of The PHA Group, highlighting how entering the international market with a digital and social-first agency will provide a competitive edge. Teams across all five of the group's office locations will work together seamlessly to deliver exceptional results for clients.

Savills Egypt, a leading property advisor, has announced its collaboration with Vantage Communications, a renowned public relations agency, to bolster its external communications.In a strategic move aimed at fortifying its brand presence and communication efficacy within the Egyptian property market, Savills Egypt has entrusted Vantage Communications with its public relations endeavors.Bringing a wealth of experience in crafting compelling narratives, managing media relations, and executing strategic communication campaigns, Vantage Communications is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing Savills Egypt's engagement with stakeholders and target audience.Karine Kamel, Head of Marketing and Communications at Savills Egypt, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are delighted to appoint Vantage Communications as our strategic PR partner in Egypt. Their deep understanding of the local media landscape and proven expertise in the real estate sector make them the ideal partner to support our communication goals and amplify our narrative in Egypt’s thriving real estate industry."In response, Nazly Shamel, Founder and Managing Director of Vantage Communications, conveyed excitement, saying, "We are thrilled to be selected as Savills Egypt’s PR agency. In Egypt’s dynamic real estate ecosystem, our team is committed to delivering on-point PR programs that set Savills Egypt ahead and support the company’s continued growth."The collaboration between Savills Egypt and Vantage Communications signifies a concerted effort to leverage expertise and strategic insights, aiming to solidify Savills Egypt's position as a key player in the Egyptian real estate landscape.