Harsimran Shergill, a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience, has joined Head Digital Works as Director of Corporate Communications. Having previously held notable positions at renowned firms such as Edelman and Ruder Finn, Shergill brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.With a diverse background encompassing mainstream media, including print, television, and digital platforms, Shergill has established herself as a trusted advisor in the realms of thought leadership, content development, and brand communications strategy. Her proficiency extends to providing media training for senior executives and crafting comprehensive communication strategies for both internal and external stakeholders."I'm thrilled to embark on this new journey with Head Digital Works," expressed Shergill. "In an era where effective communication is paramount for organizational success, I look forward to leveraging my experience to further elevate the company's corporate communications initiatives."At Head Digital Works, Shergill will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organization's communication strategies, enhancing its brand presence, and fostering meaningful connections with stakeholders across various channels.

Edelman has appointed Marie Claire Maalouf as the new EMEA Chief Creative Officer, following the departure of Mattias Ronge and Stefan Ronge. Maalouf, who previously served as the Middle East Chief Creative Officer at Edelman, will lead the agency's creative output across 13 markets in EMEA, including brand marketing, digital, influencer and entertainment, and will be based in the UAE.Throughout her career, Maalouf has been recognized for her work on impactful campaigns, such as 'Despair No More' for Tena, which aimed to redefine menopause for women in the Middle East. She has received numerous awards for her creative work, including Cannes Lions, The One Show, Caples, Clio Awards, LIA Awards, Dubai Lynx, D&AD, ANDYs, Warc, and Effies.Judy John, Edelman Global Chief Creative Officer, expressed her excitement for Maalouf's appointment, stating that she is confident that Maalouf's leadership will elevate the agency's work in the EMEA region.Maalouf expressed her enthusiasm for joining Edelman, stating that she was inspired by the agency's mission to build actionable brands through trust and the opportunity to work with a team of passionate creatives.AJ Hesselink, EMEA Chief Executive, expressed gratitude towards the outgoing co-chief creative officers and welcomed Maalouf's appointment, stating that she has already made a significant impact on the agency's ability to win new clients and produce important work.

Edelman, the world's largest PR firm, faced a mixed bag in 2023. While experiencing a slowdown in overall growth and a significant decline in US revenue, the company witnessed positive performances in other regions and expressed confidence in its future prospects.Global CEO Richard Edelman acknowledged the year's difficulties, describing it as "a difficult year for the industry." This sentiment resonates with the broader PR landscape, following a period of modest growth for some of Edelman's competitors. Despite experiencing a global revenue decline of 3.7% to $1.038 billion, Edelman managed to maintain its position as the industry leader.The decline was primarily driven by a 9.1% drop in US revenue, reaching $639 million in 2023. This drop contrasted with the positive performances seen in other regions like EMEA (up 7.1%) and LatAm (almost 30% growth). Specific offices within regions like Dallas/Houston, Miami, Belgium, and the Middle East also saw encouraging growth figures.While acknowledging the challenges, Edelman pointed to its strong relationships with top clients as a key differentiator. The company highlighted the stability of its top 30 clients and the 6% growth achieved by its top 100 clients, demonstrating consistent value proposition in client leadership.However, navigating the evolving business landscape required course correction. Edelman acknowledged "staffing up in 2022" as a mistake, leading to workforce reductions and a renewed focus on more efficient business management practices. The global headcount dropped to 6,116 from 6,433 in 2022, reflecting this strategic shift.Despite these challenges, Edelman has undergone significant leadership changes in 2023, including the appointment of a new US CEO and other key positions. Richard Edelman expressed his confidence in the new team's ability to regain growth momentum.Looking ahead to 2024, Edelman sees potential for renewed growth driven by several factors. The increased activity in the AI sector and upcoming elections around the world present opportunities for the company's expertise in navigating complex communication challenges. While the article omits specifics regarding China due to its focus on a positive outlook, it acknowledges continued challenges in the region.Overall, 2023 presented a mixed bag for Edelman. While facing headwinds in the US market and adapting to industry changes, the company witnessed growth in other regions and remains confident in its future, thanks to its strong client relationships, leadership changes, and a renewed focus on business management efficiency. As the PR landscape continues to evolve, Edelman will be keen to translate its global experience and expertise into sustainable growth in the years to come.