Weber Shandwick has announced key leadership changes to strengthen its crisis, issues, and risk management offerings across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.As part of this, Barnaby Fry (pictured) has joined as Head of Crisis and Issues, EMEA. Fry brings over 20 years of experience in crisis communications, having previously served as a director at Hogarth Partnership and MHP Communications.He will focus on expanding Weber Shandwick's crisis and issues capabilities across EMEA, leveraging his expertise in crisis preparation, mitigation, and response.Rod Clayton Transitions to Head of Risk and Advisory, EMEA. Clayton, a Weber Shandwick veteran of 28 years, will take on a newly created role focused on advising senior executives and boards.He will help clients identify, manage, and communicate about operational challenges and potential reputational risks.Together, Fry and Clayton's leadership, alongside Weber Shandwick's existing team of crisis and reputation management specialists, positions the firm to address a wide range of challenges faced by clients in the region.These challenges include:Misinformation and disinformationCybersecurity threatsArtificial intelligence (AI) integrationGeopolitical issuesEmployee and labour relationsBrand safetyGovernment and regulatory affairsBusiness operationsLitigationOrganisational changeBusiness and financial communicationsThis strategic expansion underscores Weber Shandwick's commitment to providing clients with a data-driven and human-led approach to navigating complex crisis situations across the EMEA region and globally.

The Worldcom Public Relations Group (Worldcom), the leading global partnership of independent public relations firms, announced today that it has voted Springboard Communications, the Irish Public Relations Agency of the Year in 2023, into its global partnership.“We are excited to add an agency of this caliber to our global partnership,” said Serge Beckers, Managing Director, Wisse Kommunikatie (Netherlands), and Worldcom’s EMEA Committee Chair. “They are highly respected and recognized in Ireland and across the EMEA region. Springboard’s expertise, not only across the broad spectrum of PR services but also in several key industries, is fundamental to extending our ability to serve Worldcom partners’ existing clients across the region while providing new client prospects comprehensive reach and resources.”Springboard Communications is an award-winning, integrated communications agency, in sectors including technology, FMCG, renewable energy, healthcare, and pharmaceutical. The Irish Public Relations Agency of the Year 2023 has, for the past decade, delivered results-driven integrated communications services, collaborating with their clients on communications to internal and external stakeholders. This has transformed organizational cultures, delivered business growth and positively impacted reputations.Managing Director and founder of Springboard Communications, Susie Horgan said: “Embracing the power of global connectivity, our agency is thrilled to partner with Worldcom. We are about redefining the standards of excellence in the industry, and together with Worldcom we can leverage our collective expertise to provide innovative solutions and unparalleled service to clients around the world. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering truly global communication strategies that transcend boundaries and drive meaningful impact.”Welcoming Springboard to The Worldcom Public Relations Group marks the completion of a rigorous Worldcom partner recruitment and vetting process. It ensures the compatibility of the agency applying for partnership, along with their ability to meet the standards of trust and collaboration that have defined Worldcom since its founding in 1988. As the newest partner, Springboard joins a robust group of global partners who openly share knowledge and best practices, utilize the partnership to meet expanding client roles, and collaborate on new opportunities scaled to the local, regional, and global needs of any Worldcom partner, client or prospect.