Top five UK insurer Norwich Union is reviewing its two PR agencies,
Brunswick and Hill and Knowlton, as part of a wider communications
overhaul.
Brunswick holds Norwich Union’s financial PR account and Hill and
Knowlton handles public affairs.
Believed to be pitching for the financial work are Ludgate, Brunswick,
Hogarth, Financial Dynamics and possibly Hill and Knowlton.
The insurer also intends to invite a number of agencies to pitch for its
public affairs work.
The move comes after Rebecca Burrows, Norwich Union’s investor relations
director, was asked three weeks ago to add the new role of corporate
communications director to her remit. The press department will now
report to Burrows, who will oversee a staff of ten.
Raymond Wilson, the group’s corporate affairs manager, left at the end
of April. His role was split between Burrows and Tim Smith, who remains
as internal communications manager.
The insurer began reviewing its communications strategy this summer, and
Burrows’ new role was created as a result. She said: ’It is to make sure
we are working to best practice and working with the best people and
getting good value for a quality service.’
She insisted that Norwich Union was happy with its incumbents. An
appointment is expected in December.
