Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, has announced that Taj Reid will join the agency as Global Chief Creative Officer, effective January 8th, 2025. “In a fragmented media landscape, with consumers of information facing an unprecedented volume of noise and clutter, brands and organizations need to reach their most important audiences not only via the right platform at the right time but also through a range of messages and experiences that earn their attention and inspire action,” said Corey duBrowa, Global CEO, Burson. “Taj is an exceptional talent who understands how to reach and motivate audiences at the intersection of creative, design and technology to drive preference and build reputations for clients across industries.” Reid spent the last five years with Edelman, most recently as Global Chief Experience Officer and U.S. Chief Creative Officer. Before that he spent two years as Principal Creative Director at Microsoft, where he led a cross-discipline team of designers, developers and content strategists crafting digital products and community experiences for Mixed Reality. Earlier in his career he served as Vice President, Creative Director at Edelman. Reid was named to the ADWEEK 50 in 2022. “Burson has an ambitious vision that blends the promise of technology with the unique inspiration and insight of human creativity,” said Reid. “By crafting engaging experiences powered by creative, design and technology, we can build future-ready brands that resonate and connect meaningfully with people. I’m thrilled to join Burson and help its clients create this kind of impact.” Simon Shaw, who had previously served as Burson’s Global Chief Creative Officer, will leave the agency at the end of the year. “I’d like to thank Simon for his leadership during this past year with Burson and for the contributions he made to Hill & Knowlton over his 10 years with the firm,” duBrowa added. “I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Microsoft has selected Boden Agency as its PR agency of record to strengthen its connection with the Hispanic community in the U.S. Through this partnership, Boden will collaborate with Microsoft's multicultural communications team to create and execute PR initiatives that effectively engage this key audience. The agency was chosen following a competitive pitch process.Boden’s role will involve supporting Microsoft's internal team with earned media relations, creator engagement, and digital content development. In addition, they will help implement Microsoft's long-term communications strategy, focusing on enhancing the company's brand affinity with the Hispanic community.A key aspect of Boden's work will be to enhance the digital reach and presence of Conexiones, Microsoft's storytelling hub, which emphasizes education and audience engagement.“We’re thrilled to partner with Boden Agency to evolve our communications strategies with this pivotal audience. Our intention is to more closely connect Microsoft’s mission of empowering everyone on the planet to achieve more, with the needs of the Hispanic community in the US,” said Amanda O’Neal, Microsoft’s senior director of multicultural and social media communications. “As our strategic communications partner, Boden’s concentrated, sustained, and culture-first approach will expand our strategic storytelling to bring the community closer to the latest technology, including AI.”

Microsoft has appointed Vero to spearhead its public relations strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) in the Philippines, aiming to drive greater adoption of its AI technologies in the region.Research conducted by Microsoft reveals that 86% of Filipino knowledge workers are already utilizing AI, presenting a significant opportunity for the company to promote its own AI tools in the market. As part of this effort, Vero will focus on promoting Microsoft Copilot, highlighting its capabilities in streamlining workflows and enhancing decision-making processes.Vero will promote Microsoft's AI solutions through media roundtables, influencer partnerships, and professional workshops. Additionally, Vero will support Microsoft's public sector collaborations, establishing the company as a trusted partner and contributing to policy development for long-term economic and environmental benefits.“About 40% of our teams across Southeast Asia are already utilising Microsoft Copilot, and we have seen increased productivity and creativity. We believe Microsoft’s technological power and influence will significantly enhance the Filipino workforce’s capabilities, preparing them for a future shaped by digital advancements,” says Raphael Lachkar, COO, Vero.  This partnership builds on Vero's experience in the Filipino market, where it has previously led research on attitudes toward AI education and knowledge sharing.