NEWS IN BRIEF

CORPORATE Thomas Coops is to join Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group on 30 July as group head of external communications. He replaces Phil Wilson-Brown, who moves to the group’s international business. Coops was formerly head of corporate and media relations at British Airways.

CONSUMER Luxury chocolate shop chain La Maison du Chocolat has brought in Clementine Communi­cations to drum up coverage for its 30th anniversary. The agency will run press tastings, promotions and compe­titions from September to December.

DIGITAL Dennis Publishing has hired Braben PR to advise on its digital deve­lopments following the recent launch of its digital men’s magazine Monkey. Braben previously worked for com­pany owner Felix Dennis, dealing with publicity for his book tour.

CORPORATE Brussels-based corporate agency Aspect has opened its first London office. Harry Hunt heads the office, joining from Porter Novelli, where he was a senior consultant within the corporate practice.

B2B US-based advertising network Adify has turned to Punch Commu­nications for its launch into the UK market. Punch has been commissioned to convey partnerships with publishers – such as The Guardian – to the media.

CONSUMER Full service agency Exposure has won a brief for the global launch of Umbro’s new waterproof football boot, the SX. Portuguese footballer Deco is backing the campaign and took part in an underwater photo shoot to be rolled out in the national press this week.

CONSUMER Slam PR has beaten Ketchum and one other unnamed agency for a six-figure account with high-end lingerie designer Eveden, parent company of bra brands Rigby & Peller and Fantasie.

CAREERS One in three media and PR workers are working more than the EU’s recommended 40 hours a week, according to a nationwide Life Bal­ance survey commissioned by Imo­dium. However, the survey also found that PROs are more likely to sleep for longer, and spend more time getting fit, than workers in other industries.

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