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ViiV Healthcare boosts ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’
Its campaign was designed to educate the LGBTQ community about HIV prevention options.
Mondelez International names Michelle Samuel chief of staff for corporate, legal affairs
Samuel will also continue as director of global internal communications.
Influencer firm Shine Talent Group names first COO
Manar El Mugammar will report to Shine cofounders Emily Ward and Jess Hunichen.
SKDK forms strategic partnership with Conexión
The collaboration focuses on Latino engagement and more effectively reaching diverse audiences.
Snapchat+’s AI features see subscribers skyrocket, but marketers remain cautious
With 7 million paying users, are brands being too quick to "overlook Snapchat’s strengths" when it comes to advertising?
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Friday morning
What's next for Tiger Woods and Nike?; Earnings season kicks off; News Corp names former Disney exec Arthur Bochner as CCO.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints names Aaron Sherinian MD of comms
Sherinian most recently worked for Deseret Management Corporation.
PublicRelay names George, Smith to top roles
Anu George joins the company from AIG, while Smith worked at FleishmanHillard.
Publicis Groupe uses AI to send 100,000 personalized new year messages to staff
The messages feature Arthur Sadoun’s AI twin and a skydiving Maurice Lévy.
CES 2024: Mastercard announces AI tool for small business owners
The AI assistant, dubbed Mastercard Small Business AI, will provide tutorials for processes such as setting up a website or online ordering.
APCO Worldwide appoints Safiya Ghori-Ahmad as global public affairs lead in DC
Ghori-Ahmad will work with staffers across the agency’s public affairs, government relations and geo-commerce teams.
Weber Shandwick expands North America chief strategy officer Robyn Adelson’s role
The agency has also hired Katie Salvati as its North America growth lead for influence and has made two other appointments.
Hotwire ups Stephanie Pastorelli to chief of people and culture officer
Pastorelli joins new global appointments and client wins for the agency.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Thursday morning
National Marine Manufacturers Association hires Zeno; Google layoffs; Government relations leadership update at McDonald’s.
National Marine Manufacturers Association hooks Zeno Group for PR support
The agency has helped illustrate the NMMA’s commitment to a healthy and sustainable marine environment through the Propelling Our Future campaign.
What is your favorite Dry January 2024 campaign?
Samuel Adams, Hendrick’s Gin, Miller Lite and Hop WTR concocted some clever ways to help consumers make it to February.
Twitch layoffs hit marketing team
Twitch’s senior director of marketing, head of social media and influencer marketing manager were let go as part of a 500-person reduction.
JeffreyGroup founder Jeffrey Sharlach to retire
Sharlach founded the Latin America specialist firm more than 30 years ago.
L’Oréal showcases AI-powered advisor Beauty Genius and more at CES
The AI tool will recommend specific products depending on a user’s particular needs.
Zambia Tourism hires agency for seven-figure brief
Zambia Tourism Agency has appointed a London-based travel PR consultancy to a wide-ranging brief.
Dyzio launches Shopfluence creator gifting tool
The platform helps to eliminate product waste and ease the process of tracking KPIs.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Wednesday morning
Results from Pop-Tarts’ viral touchdown; MWW alum launches health tech firm; Subject Matter-Kivvit rebrands; What’s next after SEC X breach?; Boeing CEO pledges transparency.
John Digles launches healthtech comms agency Ascent Strategy Group
The MikeWorldWide alum financially backed the venture and will serve as CEO and founder of the agency.
Edelman names Kirsty Graham US CEO
The agency’s global president of practices and sectors steps into the role after Lisa Ross’ departure in October.
Golden Globes winners confused about who to thank
This year’s winners incorrectly thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in speeches.
Verizon chief communications officer Jim Gerace to retire
Gerace has worked at the company for nearly 30 years.
Capital Pride Alliance seeks agency support ahead of WorldPride 2025
The nonprofit seeks agency help for services including brand engagement, event strategy and data measurement.
Samba TV adds product placement, sports sponsorship measurement
Samba can identify the appearance of a company’s logo during sports programs or brand mentions during a TV program.
Duolingo offboards translation contractors; Workers allege AI replacement
The language learning app offboarded 10% of contractors, including some who worked on translations, but denied it was to let AI take over.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Tuesday morning
Dire climate news; Latest polling from New Hampshire; EU weighs competition inquiry into Microsoft’s OpenAI investment.
Breaking down Boeing’s latest 737 Max jet crisis
The aircraft maker is scrambling to respond after an Alaska Airlines flight lost a door plug midair, forcing an emergency landing.
Republic Services hires PetSmart’s Rob Litt as VP of corporate comms
Litt led comms at PetSmart since 2021.
Ascension’s Nick Ragone to join healthcare company Jefferson
Ragone will take on the role of EVP, chief marcomms officer, across Jefferson Health, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health Plans.
Healthcare brands and influencers toast Dry January
Influencers and brands are talking about the health benefits of Dry January as well as a newer trend called ‘Damp January.’
Publicis was top-performing agency stock in 2023 with 41% share price leap
Publicis cements status as most valuable agency holding company among global peers.
Newswire rolls out media engagement platform
Called Media Suite, it comes with three subscription options.
Evoke rebrands as Inizio Evoke
The network will have specialist agencies working under the brand including Inizio Evoke Comms and Inizio Evoke Drive.
Inizio merges agencies in Inizio Evoke rebrand
Inizio has announced plans to unite its specialist agencies under an integrated marketing and comms umbrella brand called Inizio Evoke.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Monday morning
DJE Holdings acquires Pacific; PR Boutiques International’s new executive team.
Edelman parent DJE Holdings acquires German marketing agency Pacific
Pacific, which has worked with clients such as BMW and Spotify, is merging with United Entertainment Group’s EMEA business to become a new entity called Pacific UEG.
PR Boutiques International names executive team for 2024-25 term
Red PR president Julia Labaton will lead the executive officers as president for a two-year term.
‘AI everywhere’: What to expect from advertising CES 2024
The major themes and pressing issues that will be tackled at the first advertising and technology gathering of the year.
Peloton teams up with TikTok to redefine the fitness experience
The #TikTokFitness Peloton hub will host workout classes, tips and instructors to expand Peloton’s social media presence.
SAIC hires Kara Gerhardt Ross as global communications head
Gerhardt Ross most recently worked at UPS as president of international, executive and policy communications.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Friday morning
Social media managers weigh in on public domain Mickey Mouse; What to expect from the December jobs report; NCAA and ESPN ink massive media rights deal.
Applegate partners with Tyler Cameron to reclaim the title of meathead
The brand debuted its partnership with the TV personality in a mock PSA calling on consumers to reevaluate their New Year’s diet resolutions.
Brands are fascinated by — and terrified of — public domain Mickey Mouse
Social media managers couldn’t tell if hopping on the first big meme of 2024 was a genius or terrible idea.
Scott Beaudoin, who ‘advocated for brand purpose before it was trendy,’ remembered by colleagues
Public Inc., Brodeur Partners, Fenton, RF|Binder and MSL are among the firms where Beaudoin worked.
Jonathan Mildenhall appointed as Rocket Companies’ first CMO
He will remain chair at TwentyFirstCenturyBrand, his branding and marketing consultancy, when he starts in his new position on January 8.
BlackRock names Leigh Farris as global head of corporate communications
She is replacing Jim Badenhausen, a 12-year BlackRock veteran, in the role.
Muck Rack develops AI guide for journalists, PR pros
The evolving set of standards covers areas like accuracy, accountability, training and confidentiality.
Why Novartis rebranded to tell patients, ‘We’re with you’
The Switzerland-based pharma company completed its separation from Sandoz last October, giving it an opportunity to focus its message.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Thursday morning
Allison names Jonathan Heit global CEO; TikTok aims to expand US ecommerce business; Stanley cups cause chaos at Target.
Pop-Tart’s mascot sacrifice brought Kellogg sustained consumer engagement
Strawberry, Pop-Tart’s edible mascot, was toasted and consumed by the Pop-Tart Bowl’s winning team, which delivered “hilarious” audience reactions.
PRWeek’s annual Healthcare Awards + Conference slated for May 21
The events take place at Guastavino’s in New York City; Bayer’s Beth Roden is chair of jury for the Healthcare Awards — final deadline for entries is January 15.
Jonathan Heit replaces Scott Allison as Allison global CEO
The agency has also formed a new global board.
How brands used the Las Vegas Sphere in 2023
The Sin City billboard has gotten plenty of brand love since it opened on September 29. With Super Bowl LVIII and CES taking place in Vegas, the Sphere will likely get a lot more.
Japan Airlines crash: What the major players are saying
Organizations including Airbus are making statements as Japanese authorities investigate the fatal runway crash.
Brunswick Group appoints two execs to geopolitical practice
Alexander Kazan and Samantha Vinograd are joining the firm this month.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Wednesday morning
Take PRWeek’s Salary Survey; How to get uncanceled; Cheddar cuts staff.
Goodbye, Pop-Tarts mascot: What other brand should have an edible mascot?
Was this a better send-off than Mr. Peanut?
LLYC founder José Antonio Llorente dies, age 63
Llorente founded LLYC in 1995 after spending a decade as CEO of Burson-Marsteller Spain.
How dogs became Super Bowl advertisers’ best friends
Despite horses, chimps, crabs and geese appearing in winning creative, dogs resonate most with Big Game viewers.
Emplifi: Long Instagram Reels top list of best-performing video content
The company found they outperform shorter Reels as well as video content on other platforms.
Allison names Paddi Hurley as healthcare practice MD
She previously worked at Twelvenote and Weber Shandwick.
The 10 wildest TikTok health trends of 2023
From budget Ozempic to ‘bone smashing,’ TikTok was the place to go for eye-opening — and often cringe-inducing — health content.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Tuesday morning
Remembering José Antonio Llorente; Latest X valuation; College football’s big edible winner.
WPP's Mark Read among industry figures in New Year Honours
Senior figures from the sector have been recognised in the King's New Year Honours list.
The top 5 most-read social media stories of 2023
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, of course, made headlines. But who else is on the list?
The top 5 most-read agency stories of 2023
This year, it was still about getting the balance right. Stories about return-to-office policies and staff reductions caught readers’ eyes.
The 5 most-read influencer stories of 2023
Stories featuring the Dylan Mulvaney-Bud Light partnership gone wrong were particularly well read in 2023.
The 5 most-read brand stories of 2023
PRWeek’s readers couldn’t get enough of these stories about Campbell’s Chunky soup (featuring a certain singer’s boyfriend), Target, Bristol Myers Squibb, Anheuser-Busch and Stanley.
Karbo Communications launches service for pre-series A startups
Called PowerStart, the program is intended to help startups raise visibility.
Why one agency gave gifts of Narcan for Christmas
Acento Advertising both gave out medication that stops overdoses and sought to raise awareness of what Narcan does.
The top 5 most-read crisis stories of 2023
Brands including Anheuser-Busch, Equinox and Target found themselves in hot water this year.
Is it OK to let agencies pitch ‘as a courtesy’? Industry debates
A LinkedIn post has sparked debate over whether businesses looking for a new comms partner should allow agencies to participate in the RFP if there is little or no intention of choosing the agency.
Evolution, not extinction: How brands and agencies are responding to the war on DEI
Amid feverish opposition, many companies aren’t backing off diversity, equity and inclusion work, but they are talking about it differently.
Still ‘a topic of hand-wringing’: Four years after COVID began, agency RTO policies are yet a work in progress
Firms generally want employees in the office at least two days a week, but uncertainty endures.
PR agency leaders and CCOs share comms predictions for 2024
It’s a big year ahead in terms of AI and the U.S. presidential election. How will that impact comms?
The do’s and don’ts of product gifting to journalists and influencers
There is less swag in the mail to journalists this holiday season. What’s to blame? Stricter ethics codes, more influencers and post-pandemic changes.
Snapshot: What communicators are focusing on at COP28
From conducting research to media training, PR teams and their agencies have their hands full at this year’s U.N. climate conference.
‘Black Friday IRL isn’t the same’; How earned media strategy is evolving
Fewer shoppers are lining up outside stores. That means more parking spots and coverage opportunities in different places.
How Sam Altman ran circles around OpenAI’s board on social media
Altman, who was abruptly fired before he was reinstated as chief executive, used X to seize control of the conversation, say technology PR and corporate reputation experts.
From bespoke collections to odd recipes, brands are making the holidays fun again
Marketers are working to distract from inflation, loan payments and global crises, as well as turn the corner from COVID this winter.
Is reproductive loss leave offered at your agency?
Agencies with a California presence will be required to adopt the policy by the start of next year. Many firms based there or with a presence in the state already have measures in place.
Ready to run: Comms pros gear up for NYC Marathon and discuss event's impact
New York comes together this Sunday in unique fashion to cheer on runners taking part in the NYC Marathon. PRWeek checks in with participants from the comms industry and analyzes the parallels between marathon training and the PR profession.
Brands use scary film festivals, dance challenges and rescue squads to stop Halloween campaigns from going stale
How Airheads, Chipotle, Reese’s and M&M’s are keeping their Halloween campaigns fresh year after year.
Assessing ousted Flexport CEO Dave Clark’s rebuttal
Crisis and reputation management experts analyze Clark’s lengthy X statement and assess if an outgoing executive should ever go on the offensive.
Roblox reviews: What do brands get out of video games?
A former video game journalist brushes off the game-reviewing cobwebs to grade branded Roblox activations based on performance metrics.
‘Hollywood has a knack for always coming back’: Entertainment PR agencies ‘optimistic’ as writers strike ends
United Entertainment Group, Lobeline Communications, Berk Communications and ShapiroPR share what the rest of the year looks like.
Aligning with Taylor Swift is the ultimate brand power move — just ask the NFL
With Swift at the height of her stardom, any brand peripherally aligned with her is reaping the benefits.
Unionization boom may necessitate rewrite of labor relations playbook
Labor relations may now have a larger impact on overall perception of a brand, say comms experts.
MGM cyberattack shows how comms, IT must work closely together
Cyberthreats can have a material effect on companies’ bottom lines, and comms execs need to get up-to-speed on responding to them, say experts.
Clients are done playing nice about RTO — and that goes for their agency partners, too
Yet despite a prevalence of “this time we mean it” from employers, experts say many companies are still failing with RTO comms.
Why marketers still don’t have a going rate for creator campaigns
Creator marketing experts question if it’s even possible to come up with standard wages.
What companies need to tell employees about AI to protect their IP
Employees are using AI whether companies have a policy or not, and they could be putting sensitive data at risk.
Coca-Cola developed NFTs, but that doesn’t mean they’re coming back
Web3 has a reputation problem that no technological upgrade can overcome, but some brands are still trying.
The dos and don’ts of holding an influencer event
Experts discuss learnings from Kai Cenat’s Union Square chaos.
RIP AOR?
In-house teams are searching for more short-term support, but that’s not all bad news for agencies.
‘There is an H in HR for a reason’ – can AI solve the PR hiring crisis?
Staff recruitment remains a problem in comms, but AI may provide a solution
B Corp 101
The CEO of Patagonia calls the B Corp process “a pain in the ass,” and agency leaders say he’s right — but it’s worth it. Here’s how to get started.
Why more agencies are becoming B Corps
The process is hard and maintaining it is even harder, but firms say B Corp status has cultural and bottom-line benefits.
Advertisers interested in U.S. super app — don’t expect it from X
X looks to beat rivals such as Meta, TikTok and Snap in bringing a super app to the U.S. for the first time, but digital advertising experts are skeptical it can overcome the hurdles ahead.
The Supreme Court struck down affirmative action. Does it matter for PR agencies?
Firms and their partner programs prepare for the effects — downplayed by many — of SCOTUS’ decision.
Brands focus on value and savings in this year’s back-to-school campaigns
“Back-to-school season is an annual reminder of how incredibly expensive it is to raise children,” says Amazon’s Jo Shoesmith.
The summer of ‘Barbie’: Marketers have nothing but love for film’s ubiquitous promo blitz
The color pink is everywhere a week before the film debuts in U.S. theaters.
The big brand challenge of Threads’ rollout
The latest digital water cooler has arrived, and with it issues for clients and their agency partners to navigate.
All the ways Shein’s influencer tour went wrong
The fashion brand is being accused of propaganda after hosting a crew of poorly informed influencers to improve its reputation. It did not work.
CEOs are ordering employees back to the office. It’s up to comms to sell it
What works: emphasizing the benefits of in-person collaboration and career opportunities; What doesn’t: threats and intimidation.
It’s AI’s time in the sun at Cannes
Artificial intelligence probably won’t win a Grand Prix but it will be the hot topic of conversation.
Don’t expect sponsors to flee pro golf after the PGA Tour-LIV merger, say experts
One has a 'gut feeling' most people won’t care about the merger, while others say sponsors will have to make tough decisions.
Is the chief communications officer role getting a demotion?
Recent executive moves and reporting structure changes are prompting the question. Yet industry insiders say the position is maintaining its influence.
‘Legitimate anxiety’: Brands get tentative about Pride as anti-LGBTQ activists flex their muscles
Bud Light. Target. Kohl’s. Even Chick-fil-A. Brands know they could be the next to be targeted for celebrating Pride.
Twitter has a place in presidential campaigns — just not launching them
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign kickoff on Twitter was a bust for several reasons. But the platform is useful to campaigns in other ways.
Three years later: How agencies are keeping the focus on diversity
How agencies are approaching diversity three years after the murder of George Floyd and the peak of Black Lives Matter.
The 10 biggest communications lessons from the COVID-19 public health emergency
From understanding an audience to beating back disinformation, health comms experts share their biggest lessons learned for the next pandemic.
How The Wall Street Journal is rallying the media to keep Evan Gershkovich in the conversation
Media titans that are often at each other’s throats are pulling together to call for the detained reporter’s release.
From creator to creative: Why agencies are recruiting social media stars
Creators are bringing their nimble creative savvy and short-form expertise to full-time agency roles, but face challenges adapting to client demands and agency culture.
‘No longer reliable’: Twitter chaos means public safety messaging gets a rethink
Transportation and public-health agencies used to go to Twitter first during an emergency. Now it’s not so simple.
How Bud Light’s abandonment of the trans community could influence Pride
In light of the ongoing controversy between Bud Light and trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, brands must decide whether to move forward with Pride plans — or succumb to a vocal minority.
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