Information Links
The latest corporate and financial PR news, opinion and features.
Got a story? Contact John Harrington on 020 8267 4901 or john.harrington@haymarket.com.
News and news analysis
Portland restructures with new MD and senior departures
Portland is restructuring most of its global business under a single P&L, with a new MD appointed for the combined operation and the announcement of several senior departures, PRWeek has learned.
Powerscourt represents Amber Heard in Johnny Depp legal battle
Powerscourt is handling PR for Amber Heard in her high-profile court battle with Johnny Depp, which begins today, PRWeek has learned.
Boeing comms lead Niel Golightly resigns after 1987 article on women in combat resurfaces
As he stepped down, Golightly told staff that he disowned the comments years ago. CFO Greg Smith is replacing him in the interim.
Sir Lynton Crosby's group merges agencies to form financial and intelligence consultancy
The consultancy group headed by political strategist Sir Lynton Crosby has merged two of its existing agencies to form a new consultancy focused on "intelligence advisory" and financial insights.
Case study: C-19 cycle-to-work campaign secured Government endorsement and doubled take-up
A public affairs campaign by WA Communications for the Cycle to Work Alliance during the COVID-19 lockdown resulted in several mentions of the Cycle to Work Scheme by senior Government figures, as well as doubling take-up by employers.
Hill+Knowlton hires 'This Girl Can' architect Tanya Joseph
Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) has appointed Joseph, who led Sport England’s highly successful #ThisGirlCan campaign to encourage more women to take part in sports, as managing director of specialist services in London, PRWeek can reveal.
News analysis: Hospitality could resort to 'cleanwashing' as operators balance safety and experience
PR leaders have slammed the Government’s ‘diabolical’ communications strategy to reopen the hospitality sector, which is predicted to cost thousands of jobs. As businesses in the sector scurry to reopen, experts warn that we could be entering an era of ‘cleanwashing’.
FTI and Prosek Partners veteran Andrew Waterworth dies aged 59
Tributes have been paid to financial PR veteran Andrew Waterworth, who has died aged 59 after contracting the coronavirus. His distinguished career included senior roles at FTI Consulting, Prosek Partners and Ludgate Communications.
Pitch Update: Instagram, ScottishPower, Regent Seven Seas, CBRE, Buzzbike, Caribbean and more
PRWeek's weekly round-up of pitches and account moves.
ScottishPower names retained UK PR agency
ScottishPower has retained Stripe Communications as its comms agency, following a competitive pitch.
Caribbean tourism body appoints UK agency
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation Chapter UK & Europe has appointed Lotus as its UK PR agency, PRWeek can reveal.
Exclusive: PR salary growth rate maintained but agencies nudge ahead of in-house for bonuses
Corporate comms salary growth has been maintained for the second year running – with single-figure average increases – but bonuses for agency staff have edged ahead of those for in-house teams for the first time in a decade. Meanwhile, the demand and opportunity for flexible working arrangements has risen sharply, according to a report shown exclusively to PRWeek.
DS Smith hires sustainability and government affairs chief
FTSE100 packaging company DS Smith has appointed Wouter van Tol as head of sustainability and government affairs.
National Grid fills new senior comms role
National Grid has hired Surinder Sian in a new senior comms role to help "revitalise external comms", with a focus on the company’s intention to reach net zero carbon emissions.
Finsbury launches ‘workforce return’ service
The global consultancy is offering to help clients handle the “unprecedented communications and reputation issues” in reopening offices and reintroducing employees to the workplace.
Financial Reporting Council hires comms and public affairs chief
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has appointed Kate O’Neill to the new role of director of investor and stakeholder engagement.
Opinion and features
From the editor-in-chief: Corporate comms now has ‘key worker’ status - but is Finsbury's merger what crisis-hit firms need?
After four months of the COVID-19 crisis at least one area of marketing and communications is looking even stronger than it was before.
How financial services comms can be part of the COVID-19 solution
The coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it. The virus and its tragic human impact has resulted in unparalleled government intervention, social isolation measures, record unemployment – and the biggest fiscal stimulus ever launched.
Internal communication in the ‘post-COVID’ world
First, ignore the headline on this article. It’s a lie. Acknowledge that there won’t be such a thing as a ‘post-’ COVID-19 world or working environment.
All Zoomed out: why it’s time to call time on ‘overcommunication’
‘Overcommunication’ has been one of the leadership buzzwords of the coronavirus crisis, but for many in the industry it's an approach that contributes to burnout.
‘Corporate purpose’ comms should take a lesson from think tanks
The past few months have posed many questions.
Racism in PR: Personal stories of a systemic problem and how the industry must improve
A PR industry report exposed the role of racism, microaggressions, non-inclusive cultures and other barriers leading to an exodus of BAME talent. PRWeek asked six industry leaders about their own experiences of prejudice and what needs to change.
When the next crisis comes, my generation of PRs will be in demand
COVID-19 has had profound consequences for PR professionals at the start their careers, but we will be the first port of call for businesses and leaders when the next crisis comes.
To open the doors to staff or not: that is the question for agencies
For nearly four months, the PR industry has been working from home pretty successfully. That has no doubt made a lot of businesses think about whether they should ever open their doors again.
Four ways sports brands can engage with fans in the age of spectator-less games
Just over three months ago, more than 32,000 fans crowded into Leicester City’s King Power Stadium and stood cheering in the stands under the glare of the floodlights for what would be the last Premier League match before lockdown.
Seven comedy sketches about PR to keep you laughing in lockdown
“If you can’t laugh about your job, you must be a hostage negotiator, or very dull at dinner parties.”
24-25 March 2020| Doubletree Tower of London
In an exciting new launch, PRWeek’s inaugural Corporate & Public Affairs Summit will provide delegates with high-level strategic insight while showcasing innovative tools and techniques through a comprehensive conference programme.
Latest Jobs
-
PR Account Director - Corporate Comms - Leeds Major Players Leeds
-
Media Specialist - media monitoring, analysis & intelligence for a global consumer electronics brand Fabric Central London
-
Senior Communications Officer (Staff and Stakeholders) – Fixed-term to cover maternity leave City University London London (Greater)
-
Communications Associate Director Hanbury Strategy London (Central), London (Greater)
-
Head of Marketing & Communications Plymouth Marine Laboratory Plymouth, Devon
Recent City & corporate people moves
Andrew Bloch joins M&A consultancy to advise on marcomms agencies
M&A advisory firm PCB Partners has appointed PR industry leader Andrew Bloch to its advisory board.
Chuka Umunna joins Edelman UK
Chuka Umunna is to join fellow former Labour and Change UK MP Luciana Berger at Edelman UK - as executive director and head of its environmental, social, governance (ESG) consultancy offer.
Bold White Space grows founding team
The agency recently set up by Mike Robb and adland leaders has grown its founding team with an experienced strategist and multidisciplinary marketer.
Movers & Shakers: Edelman, Red Havas, Bulb, Teamspirit and more
PRWeek's weekly round-up of industry hires, departures and promotions.
WPI hires former PWC corporate affairs director to lead post-COVID project
Political and research consultancy WPI Strategy has hired Anna Wallace, a former corporate affairs director for professional services giant PWC, as an associate.
Edelman hires ex-MP Luciana Berger
Former Labour Party frontbench MP Luciana Berger has joined Edelman UK to lead its advocacy and public affairs team.
Red Havas hires Richard Clarke to lead new business and client services
Red Havas has appointed former Ogilvy client partner Richard Clarke as an executive director in London.