SEATTLE, WA: Getty Images recently issued an RFP for a national AOR, confirmed PR manager Molly McWhinnie.
The company is currently in the initial stages of the review, issuing RFPs to a number of agencies that are "probably more midsized-to-small," she said.
However, the company invited Edelman, AOR since 2005, to pitch for the business. Though neither Getty nor Edelman would confirm whether or not the incumbent accepted the invitation, Latraviette Smith, SVP of global communications at the agency, said, "We greatly appreciate and are proud of our seven-plus-year relationship with Getty Images, and we wish them great success as they enter their next chapter."
The scope of work will focus on consumer PR, and social media will also likely come into play, she added.
Terms include a monthly retainer, and the company expects that the agency selected will be an ongoing AOR.
Private equity firm Hellman & Friedman acquired the company in 2008, at which time it also hired Caroline Andoscia as VP of communications for Getty Images. Andoscia has since left the company, as has Bridget Russel, previously a senior director of corporate communications for the brand.
Getty Images would not provide additional comment at this time.