Gazprom hires agencies formerly used by Kremlin

Earlier this year Gazprom looked set to hire Hill & Knowlton in a bid to show its independence from the state (PRWeek, 24 January).

But H&K has revealed that it will not be working for the company. Gazprom has instead turned to Gavin ­Anderson, Ketchum and Brussels-based public affairs agency GPlus to manage all financial and corporate communications and external ­relations issues worldwide.

The work is believed to be led by Gavin Anderson Worldwide group CEO ­Richard Constant, reporting to Gazprom’s Moscow-based management. Constant declined to comment.

Gazprom is keen to improve its reputation by focusing on its successful trading record. Critics claim it is used as a political tool by President Vladimir Putin.

Last year, the Kremlin drafted in Ketchum’s London ­office, GPlus, Gavin Anderson in Japan and Maslov, Sokur & Associates in Moscow to provide media advice on Russia’s G8 presidency.