Burson, the global communications agency purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, has announced that Matt Reid has joined strategic communications and financial markets advisory firm Burson Buchanan as US CEO, effective December 2. Reid is based in Washington, D.C. and will oversee the expansion of the brand and business in the U.S. market. Reid uses his deep experience in financial and corporate communications, public affairs and crisis management to provide strategic counsel to clients facing “bet the company” opportunities and threats. His expertise includes managing financial transactions and issues; complex litigation matters and government investigations; policy and regulatory challenges; and major corporate crises. He has also managed communications for numerous corporate acquisitions, mergers and SPAC transactions. “Businesses are facing pressures from all quarters – both internal and external – that can create high-stakes threats, imperil reputation and undermine financial confidence,” said Corey duBrowa, Global CEO, Burson. “Matt brings a successful three-decade career in advising clients through myriad complexities, opportunities and strategic scenarios to protect and build reputation and optimize valuation. I benefitted from his steady hand and wise counsel during my time as a client and when we were colleagues at WE Communications, and know his considerable expertise will be a tremendous asset to our clients and potential clients as we build Burson Buchanan in the United States.” Before joining Burson Buchanan, Reid was Managing Director and Head of the Los Angeles office for H/Advisors Abernathy, as well as lead of the firm’s cybersecurity and litigation communications practices. He also contributed to the firm’s capital markets work in the U.S. and its global public affairs efforts. Prior to that, Reid was Managing Director and co-head of the Los Angeles office of Sard Verbinnen & Co. (now FGS Global), where he oversaw mergers & acquisitions, activist defence, executive transitions, crises, regulatory and litigation matters for clients across numerous industries, including technology, life sciences and education. Earlier, he was Senior Vice President, External Affairs for BSA | The Software Alliance, the leading global trade association for the software industry, where he oversaw global communications and government relations. He has also held senior corporate communications and public affairs roles at agencies including WE Communications, FleishmanHillard and GCI Group. He began his career working on high-profile political campaigns. “Burson Buchanan has a well-earned reputation in the UK across 30 years for helping clients manage issues, markets and corporate reputation to build stakeholder confidence and facilitate innovation and growth,” said Reid. “As a boutique strategic communications and financial markets advisory firm within Burson Group, we offer highly specialized expertise, backed by the resources of the global communications agency that set the gold standard for reputation management and strategic advisory. I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what we’ll be able to achieve as we expand Burson Buchanan into the US.”

FleishmanHillard has appointed Della Sweetman to the role of president, Americas and chief strategy officer, effective immediately. In this position Sweetman will be responsible for the performance of the agency's largest region and for driving enterprise-wide business transformation. She will report to J.J. Carter, who was promoted to FleishmanHillard president and chief executive officer on October 1."Della is the right person to step into this critical role leading our largest region, from which she will help drive our transformation," said Carter. "She understands our agency's unique strengths and brings operational rigor and growth experience. Della has proven effective in executing change within our organization, which has elevated our work and improved our competitiveness. We have the personal trust that comes from many years working together and will challenge each other to push the agency forward." The position is part of the firm's core leadership team charged with the strategic direction and operational management of the agency. Sweetman will work closely with market leaders in the Americas to align strategies, investments and resourcing to support the needs of its clients and the transformative changes for the agency.  "We have a foundation of excellent talent and expertise from which to grow and we have an enviable roster of clients," Sweetman said. "I'm very much looking forward to partnering with our leadership and teams across the Americas to together strengthen our position in the region, while fostering a culture of agility, high performance and constant innovation across the globe."Sweetman added, "We've entered a time of great disruption for our clients and industry, and we aspire to evolve our solutions, service delivery model, the impact of our work and the experiences of our people. This is an energizing time to be at FleishmanHillard and to take on this role."Sweetman has been in the role of chief business development officer for the agency since 2016, when she helped shape a vision for a dedicated growth unit. She has also led the agency's global Creative, Strategy and Planning practice. Prior to that, she was head of business development for the Americas, served as global client leader for one of the agency's largest accounts, and was also the former general manager for FleishmanHillard in Southern California.

Omnicom saw its PR division achieve a 4.3% revenue growth in Q3 2024, marking the highest increase for the segment in over a year.While Omnicom PR Group — encompassing FleishmanHillard, Ketchum, and Porter Novelli — lagged behind the company's advertising & media segment (9.4% growth) and experiential marketing (35.3% growth), it outperformed other areas such as precision marketing (0.8%) and execution & support (0.3%). In comparison, healthcare and branding & retail commerce witnessed revenue declines of 1.1% and 5.4%, respectively.Overall, Omnicom’s Q3 2024 revenue jumped by $304.5 million (8.5%) to reach $3.88 billion. The company’s global revenue growth was primarily driven by an organic revenue increase of $231.3 million, or 6.5%.Acquisition-related revenue rose by $74.4 million, or 2.1%, largely due to Omnicom’s acquisition of Flywheel Digital in the Precision Marketing sector during Q1 2024. Foreign currency fluctuations had no significant impact on revenue.Organic growth in Q3 2024, compared to the same quarter in 2023, varied by region: 6.5% in the U.S., 10.9% in the Asia-Pacific region, 6.8% across Europe, 24.8% in the Middle East and Africa, 8.7% in Latin America, and 1.5% in parts of North America, while the UK saw a slight dip of 0.2%.John Wren, Omnicom’s chairman and CEO, commented: "Our cash flow improved, and we continued our very disciplined capital allocation,” he said. “With exceptional new business wins and exciting new work for our clients, we expect to finish the year with strong momentum.”This quarterly boost for Omnicom PR Group (OPRG) marked its most significant in over a year. After facing three consecutive quarters of declines, OPRG had shown modest improvement with a 0.9% revenue increase in Q2.In Q1, OPRG saw a 1.1% drop in revenue, which followed declines of 2.9% in Q4 2023 and 5.5% in Q3 2023, the latter being the group's first quarterly loss since Q1 2021.Prior to these dips, OPRG experienced consistent growth across eight consecutive quarters, with increases of 5.8% in Q1 2023, 12.7% in Q4 2022, 12.6% in Q3 2022, and double-digit growth throughout much of 2022. This was a significant rebound from the 3.5% drop the group faced in early 2021.

Public relations industry veterans Rafi Q Khan and Rohan Srinivasan have announced that they have joined hands to launch an independent communications consulting firm, Compass Communications. Khan, with over two decades of public relations and communications experience, was most recently Head of Client Services and New Business at FleishmanHillard India, part of the Omnicom Group. He has also held several leadership positions across Image Inc., Archetype, and Weber Shandwick, in addition to being the CEO of Cohn & Wolfe, part of BCW when the agency first entered India. He has also been the Head of Communications for an infrastructure developer. Khan is also a certified crisis manager and trainer. Srinivasan, with over 24 years’ experience in public relations, integrated marketing and reputation management, has been in leadership roles across corporate, media and agency environments in the subcontinent and the United Kingdom. His previous stints include Managing Director of Ketchum Sampark and South Head at Madison PR. He also spearheaded the market entry of independent UK agency Eulogy and was the Head of Marketing and Communications for Vyoma, a leading digital signage company. Headquartered in Delhi NCR, Compass Communications is a full-service agency, providing end-to-end services and training to clients seeking senior counsel. Currently, the Compass team has under a dozen consultants and the agency works with affiliates across the country. Announcing the launch, Khan said, “Our team's diverse backgrounds and experience of working across leading global MNCs, listed companies and start-ups, means we're flexible and agile to ensure our operations and team are aligned with our client's needs from the start. We simply aim to be the ‘Compass’ that guides and delivers on our clients’ communication objectives for optimal business impact.”Srinivasan added, “We’ve already managed to sign up brands across diverse sectors such as Auto, Consumer, HR, Education, Real Estate and Technology. At our core, we will be true to ensuring our clients get the best of both worlds—an agency that implements and understands global best practices and yet appreciates what it takes to deliver results locally.” 

FleishmanHillard Korea, a leading global communications consulting firm, has signed a partnership with 1MILLION, a global lifestyle dance company, to collaborate on 1MILLION’s brand licensing and intellectual property (IP) initiatives.1MILLION operates the largest dance YouTube channel in Korea, boasting over 26 million subscribers, and is beloved by dancers and K-pop fans worldwide. Its significant influence over Gen Z and millennials has led many global brands to seek out creative collaborations with 1MILLION over the years.Combined with FleishmanHillard Korea’s strategic expertise and business network, this partnership aims to bolster 1MILLION’s global expansion as FleishmanHillard seeks out innovative business opportunities for its network clients and partners leveraging 1MILLION’s brand and artist IP.Minja Kim, co-CEO of 1MILLION, said: “FleishmanHillard is an ideal partner with a deep understanding of our brand vision, values and artists, which helps us preserve our unique identity. Their expertise and strategic approach were key factors in forming this partnership.”James Choi, Senior Vice President and Partner of FleishmanHillard Korea, added: “1MILLION embodies a compelling brand philosophy centered on spreading positive energy through dance. We are excited to support the global dissemination of their ‘INSPIRE MILLIONS’ mission to reach an even wider audience through this collaboration.”FleishmanHillard currently provides brand and communication consulting services for 1MILLION and has successfully completed “Next Concept” artist branding project for its artists, including Lia Kim, Amy, Dohee, Debby, Redy and Harimu.(Image: From left to right, Yeowook Yoon and Minja Kim, co-CEOs of 1MILLION, and James Choi, Senior Vice President and Partner of FleishmanHillard Korea)

John Saunders, CEO and Global President of FleishmanHillard under Omnicom PR Group, will be stepping down on October 1, with J.J. Carter taking over his role. At that time, Saunders will assume the position of chairman. Carter, at present the Global Chief Operating Officer and President of the Americas for FleishmanHillard, will be reporting to Omnicom PR Group CEO Chris Foster in his new capacity and join the global leadership team.Carter will continue to work from San Francisco, with no plans to relocate to St. Louis, Missouri, the place where Saunders is based, or to New York City. Saunders, originally from Dublin, Ireland, has led FleishmanHillard for nine years. He was appointed Regional President for EMEA in 2011, following his role as Regional Director for Europe, which he began seven years earlier. He led the foundation of Fleishman-Hillard Saunders in 1990.In 2023, Cisco’s North America PR business was retained by the company which continues to work with pivotal clients such as JPMorgan Chase, Johnson & Johnson, Philips, Samsung and PepsiCo. However, the firm lost major accounts like UPS and AT&T, with the latter choosing Jackson Spalding as its lead PR agency.Carter has been with FleishmanHillard since the year 2005, taking on several leadership roles before being named Global Chief Operating Officer and President of the Americas in 2016.

Omnicom PR Group has announced the appointment of communications industry veteran, Matt Stafford, to the position of OPRG President, International, effective November 18, 2024. Stafford will be based in Hong Kong and report to OPRG Chief Executive Officer Chris Foster. Stafford will initially be based in Hong Kong and will transition to the UK in 2025. In this OPRG Corporate Role, he will partner with agency leadership in the region, including Joanne Wong who joined OPRG's largest agency Fleishman Hillard as APAC President earlier this year.  Foster said: "I've wanted an even stronger OPRG in APAC for a while but it took time to determine the best way to organize the portfolio in the region. Further deepening the leadership bench with a client-focused, market-tested leader like Matt is going to add to our momentum. I'm looking forward to working with him again."Stafford added: "I'm excited about the opportunity to join OPRG; I've long admired what Chris and the team have done in transforming the group and am eager to help drive growth against a few key areas." Previously, Stafford was Asia-Pacific President and Global President, Practices & Sectors, BCW, and former Cabinet Secretary for the Australian government. Matt also served as Director of Policy in the office of the Australian Prime Minister and as CEO of Greater China for Burson-Marsteller.Omnicom PR Group (OPRG) is the largest global network of communications and consulting agencies in the world. It is home to three of the top global PR agencies FleishmanHillard, Ketchum, Porter Novelli and more than a dozen specialist agencies in corporate and public affairs, political consulting and advertising, language strategy, global health strategy and organizational transformation. OPRG is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (Image credit: bcw-global.com)

Marshall Manson is set to join FleishmanHillard as the corporate affairs chair in the UK, marking his return to the industry 12 months after leaving Brunswick. This move is part of FleishmanHillard's strategic effort to modernize its public affairs and corporate communications services through enhanced digital capabilities.Manson, who previously served as the chief executive of Ogilvy PR UK, has also been influential in the digital sphere at Edelman and Brunswick, where he developed and led the firm's global corporate digital specialization during his five-year tenure. At FleishmanHillard, he will work alongside Hugh Taggart, his former Edelman colleague and the newly appointed UK CEO, to whom Manson will report."Marshall brings with him a unique blend of senior advisory capabilities and cutting-edge data and digital know-how that fits nicely with our modern approach to corporate affairs," said Taggart. "This expertise, built from years of experience holding senior positions across the industry, will be a big asset to our major clients and our newly appointed digital specialists."Manson's appointment follows FleishmanHillard’s recent hiring of Joyce Higgins, a digital transformation specialist with experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and Nia Roberts, a healthcare social and digital expert, who will join later this month."The communications marketplace is ripe for disruption, but it will take an agency with the culture, bravery, and scale of this one to do it," said Manson. "We have a bold vision for an approach to corporate affairs that starts with a wide range of stakeholder audiences and focuses on delivering meaningful results. The digital capability at FleishmanHillard is first-rate. But rather than trying to be digital first, or media first, we are effectiveness first."

Marketing agency Skyrocket Studios has appointed Zahara Depaling as the new Head of PR. Based in the Philippines, Depaling brings a wealth of experience in media engagements, stakeholder management, and strategic communications. Her new role will see her spearheading the agency's public relations initiatives, leveraging her extensive background to elevate Skyrocket Studios' presence in the international market.Depaling's career spans over a decade, during which she has held pivotal roles at top agencies, including GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, and FleishmanHillard. Her tenure in these organizations has equipped her with a deep understanding of the dynamics of media relations and the complexities of managing diverse stakeholder interests.Throughout her career, Depaling has successfully managed communications strategies for a broad spectrum of high-profile clients, demonstrating her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with both media and consumers.In her new role at Skyrocket Studios, Depaling is expected to drive the agency’s PR strategy, focusing on enhancing brand visibility, fostering media relationships, and guiding clients through the evolving landscape of global communications. Her appointment comes at a time when Skyrocket Studios is expanding its global footprint, aiming to strengthen its position in key markets across Asia, Europe, and North America.As the agency continues to grow, Depaling’s leadership in public relations is anticipated to play a critical role in shaping Skyrocket Studios' future success.

Shameek Bose has joined FleishmanHillard as the agency's inaugural global lead of responsible business and impact, bringing with him two decades of experience in sustainability and ESG.In this newly established position, Bose will guide companies in adapting their business models to align with the expectations of various stakeholders, including consumers, regulators, employees, and shareholders.With approximately 20 years of experience, Bose has been a trusted advisor on sustainability, social impact, the future of work, and responsible AI.Before joining FleishmanHillard, Bose was with Accenture, where he assisted C-suites and boards in developing governance for sustainability and ESG goals. He also served seven years as a global leadership fellow and lead for business engagement at the World Economic Forum.

Munavar Attari, the Managing Director of FleishmanHillard India, has stepped down after dedicating eight years to the organization. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing the overall P&L for India, managing clients and offices, and providing strategic counsel and guidance on client campaigns, corporate reputation, and issues/crisis management.Attari is a seasoned communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the communications and public relations industry. Over the course of his career, he has worked with prominent organizations such as Omnicom India Marketing Advisory Services, Edelman, Weber Shandwick, and Blue Star Infotech Ltd, among others.

The Sandpiper Group, the independent communications, public affairs, and research group headquartered in Asia Pacific, has appointed Michael Rinaman as Managing Director, Strategy.Based in Hong Kong, Michael will lead the development and growth of the firm’s Strategy practice globally, while integrating with its Digital Communications and Research & Insights offerings.Michael brings global experience consulting executives on reputation strategy using data-driven planning approaches across corporate communications, consumer communications, internal communications, and crisis & issues management. His experience covers a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, technology, financial services, energy, consumer brands, and government.Named to PRovoke’s Innovator 25 list for Asia Pacific in 2023, Michael joins Sandpiper from FleishmanHillard where he was Managing Director for research and analytics in Asia Pacific and led the organisation’s impact measurement offering globally.The appointment extends Sandpiper’s commitment to providing clients with insights-rich strategies in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and globally, and comes just one year after the firm’s launch of Sandpiper Research & Insights in 2023.Emma Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Sandpiper, said: “Michael’s embrace of communications innovation and vast experience across the region and globally will make him an indispensable asset to our clients. As reputation and communications strategy evolves, Sandpiper is continually investing to help our clients navigate change. The growth of our Strategy practice will complement both our expanding Digital and Research & Insights offerings, while also feeding into more impactful work for our clients across all capabilities.”Michael Rinaman, Managing Director, Strategy, Sandpiper, said: “The need for data-validated strategies is evolving at a rapid pace across the globe and especially in Asia Pacific. To be able to join Sandpiper, which is consistently investing in the capabilities that communicators need for the future, gives me the opportunity to embrace that change and focus on combining intuition and insight for the sake of more successful client strategy. I am excited to join a team of such talented consultants, advisors, and communicators.”

Zeno Group has announced the appointment of agency veteran Leah Katz to lead Zeno East, overseeing teams in New York and Washington, D.C. Katz joins Zeno from FleishmanHillard in New York where she established a proven track record of sustaining growth, managing global teams and cultivating a culture of high performance. Katz has over 20 years of industry experience, across health, consumer, corporate and digital capabilities.  “Leah’s fresh vision, dynamic leadership, and unwavering commitment to culture make her a smart choice to drive Zeno East forward,” said Grant Deady, Zeno U.S. president. “With deep agency experience, a global perspective, and results-oriented mindset, Leah is poised to help our clients and teams navigate today’s complex business environment.”Katz will report to Deady and serve on the agency’s global leadership team.“When competing against Zeno, I was always impressed by their creativity, purpose-driven leadership, and impactful work,” said Katz. “Our industry is undergoing a transformation, and I couldn’t be more proud to join the leadership team of such a fearless future-focused agency.”Cheryll Forsatz, who previously served as Managing Director Zeno East, will be departing the agency for a new opportunity later this month.

The Better World Campaign (BWC), a non-partisan organisation advocating for a strong U.S.-UN relationship, has partnered with FleishmanHillard, a global communications firm. This collaboration aims to strengthen public support within the United States for the work undertaken by the United Nations.Founded in 1999 in Washington D.C. following a historic $1-billion donation from entrepreneur Ted Turner, the BWC has consistently championed the UN's role in promoting global peace, security, and health initiatives. According to a 2014 BWC poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research Associates, a strong majority (87%) of Americans believe a positive U.S.-UN relationship is important.FleishmanHillard's international affairs and public affairs teams, along with members of DDC Public Affairs, will spearhead the BWC's communication efforts. The BWC and FleishmanHillard hope their combined efforts will generate renewed public support for the UN within the United States, fostering a stronger partnership for tackling critical global issues.

FleishmanHillard Australia, a leading public relations and communications agency, has been appointed as the official PR partner for NCS Australia, a prominent technology services provider, following a competitive pitch process.This exciting win signifies FleishmanHillard's continued success in the Australian tech landscape. The agency, known for its "Truly Curious" approach to communications, impressed NCS Australia with its strategic thinking and ability to drive impactful results.Under the terms of the engagement, FleishmanHillard will be responsible for elevating NCS Australia's brand awareness among government agencies and businesses across the country. The agency's focus will be on amplifying the company's local campaign, "Making Tomorrow Together," through targeted PR initiatives, executive thought leadership programs, and compelling case studies.Building a Stronger NCS BrandJenna Orme, Managing Director of FleishmanHillard Australia, said: "NCS is embarking on an exciting journey across the region, and our Truly Curious approach to great earned-led ideas, from everyday storytelling to executive thought leadership programs, together with the strength of our global network, makes this a perfect partnership. We are honoured to be joining them on this journey to tell their story of digital transformation for governments and enterprises." NCS Australia, a subsidiary of the NCS Group with a strong Asia Pacific presence, is committed to empowering governments and businesses through digital transformation and innovative technology solutions. With offices in seven cities across Australia, the company plays a vital role in driving technological advancements within the region.This collaboration between FleishmanHillard Australia and NCS Australia promises to be a successful one, fostering a stronger brand presence and propelling NCS Australia's continued success in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

Trident DMG, a strategic and risk advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Lydia Hennessey as a director. Hennessey joins Trident DMG from FleishmanHillard, where she served as a managing supervisor. During her tenure, she led global public affairs, strategic communications, and social responsibility initiatives for clients in the technology and beverage sectors. Prior to that, she was part of the corporate affairs team at Edelman, where she handled crisis response and strategic communications for clients in aviation, hospitality, and entertainment industries.In her new role at Trident DMG, Hennessey will provide strategic media counsel, communications planning, and support to clients across various industries. She will also assist with long-term corporate positioning, executive thought leadership, and crisis management.Trident DMG, based in Washington, D.C., has recently expanded its team with several key hires, further strengthening its capabilities in stakeholder management and communications. The firm has been recognized for its excellence in litigation and crisis communications, holding top rankings from Chambers & Partners and being named to PRNews' Agency Elite list for 2024? (Trident DMG)?? (Trident DMG)?? (Trident DMG)?.

Bud Communications, a PR and content agency, has set up shop in Australia to strengthen its regional capabilities across Asia Pacific (APAC). The agency will focus on providing both strategic public relations and content creation services, designed to maximize the impact of earned, owned, and paid media channels to help businesses expand their audience reach.Leading the Australian charge is Richie Kenzie, who has been appointed as the country manager for Bud Communications. Kenzie brings a wealth of experience from senior editorial and strategic roles at major publishers and content agencies. He's tasked with spearheading Bud's growth in Australia and driving success for clients in the region."We're entering the Australian market with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to our core values: creativity, integrity, and collaboration," said Kenzie. "Australia is a breeding ground for innovative and dynamic brands, and we're thrilled to partner with them to amplify their stories and achieve exceptional results."Oliver Budgen, founder and CEO of Bud Communications, emphasized the strategic importance of Australia: "Our core mission is to empower founders, leaders, and visionaries who are transforming industries or creating entirely new ones. Australia has always been a key market for our existing clients, so opening an office here feels like a natural and significant step."Since its launch in Singapore in 2020, Bud Communications has established itself as a go-to agency for challenger brands seeking to make a splash. This expansion into Australia builds upon their existing presence in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, where they have a team of 15.The agency has also been bolstering its leadership team. Last September, Patricia Malay joined as Client Services Director and Urvashi Raizada as Content Director, both based in Singapore and reporting directly to Budgen. These appointments further solidify Bud Communications' commitment to growth across APAC.Previously, Malay served as Deputy Managing Director at BCW Global, where she oversaw new business development and client acquisition. She also held various leadership roles at FleishmanHillard, including Global Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Authored by Bhaskar Majumdar, Head - Marketing Communication, Digital and CSR, Egis South Asia and originator of CommsAdda.In recent developments that have sent ripples across the public relations industry in Asia, prominent PR agencies like Ketchum Sampark have initiated significant layoffs and are winding down operations in pivotal markets such as India and China. This strategic retraction by global giants has not only impacted the employees but also disrupted the service continuum for numerous clients. Let’s look into why these firms, despite their global prowess, are struggling in these fast-growing markets and the broader implications for all stakeholders involved.Ketchum, a titan in the PR industry, has faced daunting challenges in maintaining its operational footprint in China and India. These markets are characterized by their unique cultural, economic, and media landscapes, which often require localized knowledge and a nuanced approach to business practices and client relations. Ketchum's decision to acquire local firms like Sampark in India and form alliances like Newscan in China initially seemed to pave the way for deeper market integration. However, navigating the complex business environment in these countries demands more than just a presence; it requires a holistic understanding of local consumer behaviour, media relations, and regulatory frameworks.Recent news stories highlight that Ketchum is laying off most of its workforce in China and India, incorporating the remaining staff and clients into its sibling agency FleishmanHillard. This move suggests a consolidation strategy aiming to cut losses and streamline operations. Despite this drastic measure, Mike Doyle, Ketchum's global CEO, assured that the brand would continue serving the markets through the Omnicom network, indicating a shift in strategy rather than a complete exit.However, such consolidations are often seen as a last resort when profitability is under severe pressure. Factors contributing to these pressures include Understanding the Indian market is essential for effective public relations due to its diversity in languages, cultures, burgeoning startup ecosystem, and numerous other factors influencing business viability. Acquiring insights into 'Bharat', representing the heartland of India, is particularly crucial for navigating this dynamic landscape. Another key factor is fierce competition from homegrown agencies who possess inherent advantages in understanding domestic markets and client needs, as well as challenges in adapting global strategies to local contexts effectively. Additionally, the rapid evolution of digital media landscapes and public relations tools may have outpaced the traditional operational models of these international firms.Foreign consultancies often face higher operational costs due to their global standards and practices, which may not always align with local pricing dynamics. The pressure to deliver results comparable to their performance in Western markets can lead to misaligned business strategies that fail to resonate locally. Moreover, the entry strategy through acquisitions can sometimes backfire if the integration processes dilute the local firm’s strengths instead of building upon them.The contraction of firms like Ketchum in India and China profoundly impacts various stakeholders, leaving a significant void across multiple dimensions of the PR industry. First and foremost, the layoffs engender immediate job losses, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future career paths of numerous affected employees. While the transition of remaining personnel to FleishmanHillard might offer some semblance of continuity, the integration process is often riddled with challenges. These can range from issues of cultural fit within the new organization to substantial adjustments in roles and responsibilities, potentially complicating what might already be a stressful period for these individuals.For clients of agencies like Ketchum, the impact is similarly disruptive. These businesses have depended on the established expertise and global reach of their PR agencies to guide their communications strategies and safeguard their corporate reputations. With the operational fold into FleishmanHillard, these clients could face interruptions that may affect the continuity of ongoing campaigns, disturb the established dynamics between client and agency, and misalign strategic objectives that were previously in place.The local PR industry faces its own set of challenges and opportunities from these international pullbacks. On one hand, the retreat of a global player like Ketchum could reduce competition, potentially freeing up market space for domestic firms. On the other hand, this contraction also reduces the diversity of professional PR services and global perspectives within the market. International firms often bring different approaches and a broader worldview that can spur innovation and elevate standards within the local industry.The market perception influenced by such high-profile exits cannot be underestimated. When international firms scale back their operations or exit markets like India and China entirely, it sends a potent message regarding the viability and attractiveness of these markets. Such moves might be interpreted as these regions being too challenging to navigate or not sufficiently profitable, potentially deterring future foreign investments in these sectors. This could have long-term implications for the economic landscape, affecting not just the PR sector but broader business activities in these vibrant markets.The retrenchment of Ketchum and similar entities calls for a reassessment of how global PR firms operate in culturally and economically diverse markets like India and China. Success in these markets requires firms to not only adapt their strategies but also deeply immerse themselves in understanding local nuances. For the PR industry in Asia, this could be a moment of introspection and perhaps an opportunity for local firms to rise and fill the gaps, leveraging their inherent market insights and cultural compatibilities.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.

Ketchum Sampark is undergoing a strategic transition, with layoffs affecting staff in India and China. The remaining personnel and clients will be integrated into FleishmanHillard. Approximately 40 staff members in India and China are expected to be impacted by these changes.India MD, Rohan Srinivasan, will oversee the transition process for a period. Despite the restructure, sources suggest that the Ketchum Sampark brand may persist even after the transition to FleishmanHillard.Mike Doyle, Ketchum's president and CEO, explained the move as part of the company's growth and innovation strategy. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the Omnicom network and infrastructure to continue providing clients with exceptional service and global connectivity.Established in 1994, Ketchum Sampark initially specialized in financial services before being acquired by Omnicom's Ketchum in 2011. Founders Bela and NS Rajan retired from the company in 2021.This restructuring comes amid a period of growth for the Indian PR industry, although challenges such as flat retainers and talent shortages persist. Despite these obstacles, the industry has continued to show resilience, with double-digit growth reported in recent years.The transition underscores a collaborative effort between Ketchum Sampark and FleishmanHillard to provide clients with enhanced services and expertise in India's evolving PR landscape.

Stephanie Shelton has recently assumed the role of Executive Vice President of Client Experience at Current Global's healthcare practice. In this capacity, she will play a pivotal role in enhancing The Weber Shandwick Collective and bolstering IPG’s healthcare business.With her extensive background, including her recent tenure as a senior partner at FleishmanHillard, Shelton brings valuable expertise to steer communication strategies for flagship pharmaceutical clients of both Current and IPG. Additionally, she will spearhead new business ventures and initiatives across various brands.Reporting directly to Global Chief Client and Growth Officer Renee Austin from the Chicago hub, Shelton's appointment signifies a strategic move to leverage her diverse skill set in traditional healthcare, corporate health, and consumer health domains.Austin emphasized Shelton's contributions, stating, "Stephanie adds a unique blend of traditional healthcare, corporate health, and consumer health experience to our team. Her wealth of experience in reputation management, awareness elevation, brand enhancement, and behavior change through impactful campaigns and integrated media strategies is invaluable."Shelton's arrival follows a successful five-year tenure at Fleishman, where she held the positions of Senior Vice President and Senior Partner. Prior to that, she served as Managing Director at W2O Group and spent nearly twelve years at Edelman, further enriching her expertise in the field.