The agency will be handling PR for the Japanese printing hardware manufacturer across the EMEA region. Whiteoaks replaces Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster on the account.

Whiteoaks already manages PR for OKI's UK business, having seen off Biss Lancaster in a competitive three-way pitch last year (PRWeek, 8 August, 2007).

Laura Slade, head of client services at Whiteoaks, will be heading the EMEA account from London. She will report to Anja Jessen, general manager, brand and communications, at OKI.

OKI is best known in the UK as the sponsor of Premier League football club Portsmouth FC. But the brand, which specialises in colour printers, is a major player in the B2B printing manufacturer sector. OKI Printing Solutions is a subsidiary of OKI Electric, which dates back to 1881.