DHL puts public affairs package up for pitch

Delivery company DHL International has put its public affairs

account up for pitch.

The account was previously held by Ian Greer Associates, the now defunct

firm at the centre of the ’cash for questions’ scandal. AS Biss and Co -

which absorbed the rump of the Greer business when it launched last

October - has been handling the DHL account since then.

DHL confirmed that Biss has been asked to re-pitch. Other consultancies

thought to be on the pitch list include GJW, Shandwick and Westminster

Communications.

DHL said the reasons for holding the pitch were unconnected to the ’cash

for questions’ scandal which brought down IGA.

’We need a public affairs company to work with the political parties and

give us advice on Bills that would impact on our business, such as

transport and post office issues,’ said DHL’s public relations and

sponsorship manager Liz Hauxwell. ’We feel that this is an opportune

time to develop our corporate affairs programme and to look at what

advice and research is available to us,’ she added.

The successful agency will report to Sharon Johnson who joined DHL

International as corporate affairs manager in January last year.

DHL’s general public relations account is handled by the Red

Consultancy.

Meanwhile, DHL’s Brussels office is beginning the search for an agency

to provide support for pan-European media relations.