Ogilvy PR has introduced a new reputation protection service called Influence Shield to safeguard brands in the Asia Pacific region from the potential risks associated with influencer marketing. This comprehensive solution combines social media expertise, crisis management knowledge, and advanced technology to mitigate reputational threats in today's dynamic social landscape.Leading the initiative is Simon Webb, a seasoned Ogilvy PR veteran with over two decades of experience in crisis counsel. Appointed as Regional Head of Risk Management in APAC, Webb will leverage his expertise to guide brands on how to minimize risks and navigate the complexities of influencer marketing in the region's thriving creator economy.Webb, the architect behind Ogilvy's Brandshield offering, has developed a four-pronged approach to protecting brand reputations: Risk-Mapping, Readiness, Response, and Recovery. This framework will be instrumental in helping brands assess and address potential risks associated with influencer collaborations.?Ç£In the current social media environment, the reputational and commercial risk of a campaign poorly-executed can easily outweigh the opportunities. Influencer Shield shifts the calculus back in the favor of brands, helping them engage in social with confidence once again," said Webb.James Baldwin, Head of Influence for Ogilvy PR in APAC, echoed Webb's sentiments: ?Ç£Influence is no longer a luxury; it?ÇÖs a necessity to ensure we move at the speed to culture, however its essential to remember we are operating in a live environment with infinite personalities and possibilities. Influence Shield helps brands navigate the complex landscape of influencer marketing with confidence, turning potential challenges into competitive advantages."Led by experts in brand reputation and risk mitigation, Influence Shield is underpinned by behavioral science principles and powered by Ogilvy's proprietary technology stack. The service offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, including campaign risk assessment, influencer vetting, content compliance, influencer onboarding, issues mitigation, and PR planning.Influence Shield is part of Ogilvy's broader suite of influencer expertise across Asia Pacific, encompassing crisis and issues management, influencer strategy, creative ideation, influencer selection, and campaign execution. With a focus on Consumer Influence, B2B Influence, Influencer Commerce, and Creator Studio, Ogilvy's award-winning Public Relations business provides end-to-end influencer solutions to help brands thrive in the region.

Ogilvy PR has appointed James Baldwin to lead its influencer marketing efforts across the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Singapore, Baldwin will oversee the agency's influencer offerings, including developing go-to-market strategies, strengthening their capabilities, driving business growth and innovation, and delivering top-notch influencer campaigns.Baldwin brings a wealth of experience to the role, having joined Ogilvy in 2019 and playing a key role in building the agency's influencer proposition. Most recently, he served as Business Director and B2B Influence Lead for Ogilvy UK, where he spearheaded the launch and global expansion of their B2B influencer services.Under Baldwin's leadership, Ogilvy's influencer team garnered recognition across multiple markets, crafting award-winning campaigns for industry giants like Coca-Cola, Unilever, British Airways, Samsung, and the Olympic Games. He also significantly contributed to Ogilvy's annual Influencer Trends report, a valuable resource within the industry.With over a decade of experience in B2B and influencer marketing, Baldwin previously held the position of Client Director at Euromoney Institutional Investor. In his new role, he will report to both Rahul Titus, Ogilvy's Global Head of Influence, and Emily Poon, President of Ogilvy PR in Asia-Pacific."James' strategic leadership in influencer marketing reinforces our commitment to the creator economy and its growing importance," said Titus.Excited about the opportunities in Asia-Pacific, Baldwin acknowledges the region's thriving social media landscape, diverse cultures, and strong sense of community as a breeding ground for innovative influencer marketing strategies. "The chance to build world-class influencer marketing in this region is unmatched," he remarked.This announcement follows Ogilvy PR's Asia-Pacific operations being named Global Digital Agency of the Year and APAC Regional Consultancy of the Year at the prestigious 2023 SABRE Awards.