Sony Middle East and Africa has appointed Ruder Finn Atteline, a global integrated marketing and communications consultancy and the MENA arm of the Ruder Finn group, to manage its regional PR communications mandate across the Middle East. The agency will lead strategic PR Communications for Sony?ÇÖs consumer electronics division, covering Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Egypt.Ruder Finn Atteline?ÇÖs appointment includes handling Sony?ÇÖs BRAVIA televisions, home audio systems, advanced digital imaging products, audio solutions such as the newly expanded ULT Power Sound series, and the INZONE range.The partnership follows Ruder Finn Atteline?ÇÖs recent brand refresh and strategic senior appointments, strengthening the agency?ÇÖs expertise in consumer and corporate communications.Sophie Simpson, Managing Director of Ruder Finn Atteline ?Çô MENA, commented: ?Ç£Sony is a brand that resonates globally, but also connects deeply with audiences here in the region. This partnership reflects the kind of work we want to do more of ?Çô bold, meaningful, and built on shared ambition, while also fulfilling Sony?ÇÖs purpose to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology[1]. As we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East & North Africa, our focus remains on creating real impact for all our clients. Collaborating with iconic brands like Sony propels us closer to our goal of shaping the future of communications through culture and creativity.?Ç¥Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director, Sony Middle East and Africa, added: ?Ç£At Sony, our ambition is fueled by a relentless drive to inspire and fulfil the curiosity of our audiences across the MENA region. We believe in creating meaningful experiences that go beyond technology. Experiences that connect with people on a deeper, more personal level.  Our partnership with Ruder Finn Atteline is a natural extension of this vision. As an agency with strong regional insight and a grasp of evolving market dynamics, Ruder Finn Atteline brings both local relevance and strategic expertise to the table. Just like our People Philosophy, ?ÇÿSpecial You, Diverse Sony?ÇÖ this further embodies our inclusive approach to craft integrated, high-impact communications strategies to showcase the depth, diversity, and values in the region.?Ç¥As a creative entertainment company, Sony continues to shape cultural and immersive experiences across the region through its innovation in home entertainment, personal entertainment, digital imaging gaming, and storytelling. In recent months, the brand has spotlighted several key launches, including new home and personal entertainment offerings at the W Hotel in Abu Dhabi in April, and the launches of the REON Pocket Pro and flagship noise cancelling headphones WH-1000XM6 in May.With a multitude of launches in the pipeline, Sony remains committed to delivering inspiring content and cutting-edge technology across the region. Ruder Finn Atteline will continue to support Sony?ÇÖs story through integrated communication strategies rooted in the Middle East market, evolving entertainment trends, and shifting digital consumption patterns to keep connected with its customers.

London-based independent PR agency W Communications has taken a unique step towards its future by selling a majority stake to its employees through a government-backed Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This move fuels the agency's ambition for further global expansion.Financial details are under wraps, but industry estimates value the fast-growing firm at around ?ú40 million. W boasts impressive revenue, exceeding ?ú16 million in 2023, with established operations in London, New York, Singapore, and Riyadh."As one of the most sought-after independent PR agencies, I have received many offers to buy this business. I only wanted to pursue a sale if it meant enabling the agency to unlock another level of value to ensure my W colleagues benefited in the long term. The option of an EOT was clearly the best way to benefit all parties and set the foundation for another 15 years of growth," said founder and CEO Warren Johnson.This new ownership model fosters direct employee participation and a stronger voice in shaping the agency's direction. Additionally, staff can enjoy tax-free bonuses of up to ?ú3,600.Johnson, W's mastermind for 15 years, remains at the helm as CEO, collaborating with the agency's senior leadership team. W will stay committed to strategic mergers and acquisitions, following successful acquisitions like Lotus and Franses. Additionally, W Capital, their internal incubator, will continue to nurture businesses in hospitality, digital retail, and sustainability.The agency's expansion plans target the broader GCC region beyond Riyadh, as well as solidifying their presence in North America and Southeast Asia.W's impressive client list encompasses consumer brands, tech giants, and corporate leaders like Unilever, Sony, Disney, Spotify, Adidas, Chanel, Speedo, Tinder, Nobu, British Airways, and Levi's.