Goodyear, the world's largest tyre firm, is planning a PR drive
across the UK and Europe with the appointment of Hill & Knowlton for
product and brand communications.
The firm is finalising details of the brief and budget with H&K in a
move that marks the firm's first appointment of a retained pan-European
PR agency.
Goodyear has previously used PR firms on an ad hoc basis across the
region, taking on firms for projects to support its large in-house PR
team.
H&K was hired earlier this year to handle PR for Goodyear's eco-friendly
GT3 tyre. But Goodyear has decided to hire H&K on a retainer basis as
part of a plan to match communications more closely with the company's
business plans and structure.
Goodyear EMEA PR manager Luc Scheer, who is based in Luxembourg, said:
'We see the biggest potential in brand-based work, although product PR
will play a role in the brief.'
He hinted there could be a review and further communications changes in
the eastern European region.
- Ty Nant - the mineral water firm with 'cobalt' blue bottles - has
hired H&K for trade and consumer PR surrounding the launch of its new
bottle.
