Elder leaves PR to return to Labour fold
Murray Elder has left PR and lobbying firm Westminster Communications to
rejoin the Labour Party. Elder, who ran former leader John Smith’s
office, will work in the office of Labour’s chief whip and MP for
Glasgow Garscadden Donald Dewar.
Brunswick advice on Norwich Union flotation
Norwich Union has brought in Brunswick to advise on its pounds 4 billion
flotation. The agency, which has worked with the mutual insurer since
last year, will communicate with City analysts and the financial press.
The Quentin Bell Organisation continues to advise Norwich Union on
product PR.
Compuware replaces Firefly with Words Etc
Compuware, the US-owned software giant, has appointed Words Etc to
replace Firefly as its PR agency. Firefly was dropped last month after
Compuware objected to a potential conflict of interest with rival IT
firm and Firefly client Informix (PR Week, 27 September). Words Etc
previously pitched against Firefly for the Compuware contract.
Buchanan joins EPRUC’s relations team
English Professional Rugby Union Clubs (EPRUC), which represents top
rugby union clubs, has hired Buchanan Communications to advise on media
relations during its dispute with the Rugby Football Union. Buchanan
will work with specialist consultancy Sports Media Communications.
Friend takes MD position at Ludgate
Ludgate Communications has appointed Tony Friend to the position of
managing director. Formerly director of investment banking at NatWest
Markets, Friend joined the agency as a director earlier this year (PR
Week, 3 May). He will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the
business, leaving chief executive David Simpson with responsibility for
overall strategy.
Hunt Thompson to draw schools into the Net
Project Connect, the scheme to promote use of the Internet in schools,
has signed up hi-tech PR outfit Hunt Thompson to handle its nationwide
launch this month. Hired after a non-competitive pitch, the agency will
raise awareness of Project Connect among teachers, the IT industry and
the public.
Stratford quits B-M for Bristol-Myers Squibb
Fiona Stratford, a Burson Marsteller senior account executive, is to
join pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb as public affairs
manager. She takes up the post in November, reporting to director of
government and public affairs Chris Davies.
PPU takes on three new advisers
Public Policy Unit has boosted its consultancy team with three new
advisers. Tony Lane, a former deputy director general of fair trading,
and Arthur Pryor, a former DTI under secretary, will join PPU’s
competition and regulation group. Edward Vaizey, a former research
officer for the Small Business Bureau, will specialise in political
campaigns.
Crowe leaves dairy for Marshall Tanous
Peter Crowe, National Dairy Council marketing manager, is moving to PR
and marketing consultancy Marshall Tanous as planning director. Crowe’s
brief at the NDC included PR and advertising.
Wilson sets up own financial PR shop
Ross Wilson, business editor of Scotland’s Daily Record, has left to
start his own PR agency. Ross Wilson Public Relations will offer
financial and corporate PR services.
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