Kodak, the photographic film and imaging giant, is reviewing public
relations across Europe for its Digital and Applied Imaging (D&AI)
division as part of a massive promotional investment.
One of seven divisions within the Kodak group, Kodak D&AI specialises in
the manufacture of digital imaging solutions such as scanners, digital
cameras and CD media for small office and home users.
Kodak D&AI currently uses a range of agencies within local country
markets to service its PR needs. These include Fox Parrack Fox, which
handles work primarily in the United Kingdom, and Companycare, which co-
ordinates activity at a European level.
The review coincides with the arrival in September of Joanna Goodwin as
public relations manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Goodwin, who was previously automotive communications manager for Lucas
Industries, explained that Kodak had decided to centralise agency
recruitment rather than leave the responsibility with local public
relations departments.
She said: ‘We have done some market research and discovered that users
rely most on editorial to be persuaded of the importance of our
products. We are investing more to drive this forward and have to
rigorously review the current agency network.’
Goodwin added that she would first look at agencies in Germany, followed
by France, the UK, eastern Europe and the Middle East. Pitches for the
UK will probably take place at the end of November.
