NORCROSS, GA: GM-controlled Saab Cars USA is poised to appoint GCI
Group for its entire US PR account, just in time to work with its
incoming head of corporate communications Kevin Smith.
The current comms head, Eric Geers, will leave the US for GM's Zurich
office on December 1 to take on an as-yet-untitled new position. Until
these changes have been made, Geers has taken the interim measure of
hiring Brandware Group to take care of the business until Smith arrives
from another GM unit on February 1. Brandware is headed by managing
partner Elke Martin, who also once handled PR for Saab.
Saab already works with GCI in Sweden and others markets. The US deal
should be finalized in January. GCI would handle media relations with
the auto press, but would also try to extend awareness of Saab to
lifestyle publications and other non-auto outlets, Geers said.
Saab is also looking to hire an East Coast PR manager as it gears up to
support new product introductions in upcoming years.
