New PR Moves for Kovert Creative, 360 PR, Ketchum, and APCO Worldwide
Worldwide Kovert Creative Now Representing Cadillac for PR
Only months after opening for business, PR firm Kovert Creative was selected by Cadillac to act as their new global AOR for that division of GM. Other GM divisions are likewise switching out their AORs during 2016, including already chosen Weber Shandwick for their largest division – Chevrolet. Both Buick and GMC are expected to open up RFP efforts later in the year.
Kovert Creative was founded in 2016 partnering with global entertainment, sports, and fashion PR leader, WME / IMG. In making the choice, Andrew Lipman, Cadillac spokesman, said, “Kovert was very, very in line with the Cadillac organization of today.”
In the past, the various GM divisions used a number of local PR firms around the world. They have decided to consolidate their efforts with this move. However, according to both GM and their main advertising agencies – Leo Burnett and DigitasLBi – there are no plans to swap out those agencies currently.
360 PR Now Stride Rite’s U.S. Agent of Record
Wolverine Worldwide Inc.’s division, Stride Rite, makers of children’s shoes for generations, has just selected 360
Public Relations as their agent of record and have given them instructions to make millennial parents see what they offer by creating an integrated campaign shared with new customers through media relations, social media, and influencers.
According to Gillian Meek, Sr. VP of product and marketing for Stride Rite, “360PR impressed us with their deep understanding of the millennial parent mindset and their ability to communicate the legacy and expertise of the Stride Rite brand in fresh ways.”
Ketchum Creates Global Leadership Council (GLC)
This week Ketchum PR announced plans to transform their senior leadership team with the creation of their new GLC – saying the move will replace and significantly expand their current Executive Committee. The objective is to broaden perspectives in their work for clients and to drive worldwide business performance. It will be made up of senior leadership at Ketchum from the largest business units, geographic areas, and key clients, plus additional members with high-level strategic worth, including corporate and practice areas.
The GLC currently consists of 20 members, 10 men and 10 women, with 10 of them in jobs at a global level. There are also four of them in North America, four in Europe, and the remaining two in APAC/LatAm. The GLC will report directly to the Ketchum’s Global CEO, Rob Flaherty.
Along with the GLC, Ketchum created another internal group, the Break Thru Advisory Board. They will focus on developing new and disruptive ideas for both the agency and clients. The new advisory board has eight members and will report directly to the GLC.
Dan Scandling Named new Director of Public Affairs for APCO Worldwide
Dan Scandling, a long-time worker on Capitol Hill, will switch companies, moving to APCO Worldwide. Scandling’s previous work includes Capitol Hill chief of staff and communications director, as well as a Sr. VP of public affairs for Ogilvy PR since 2015. Scandling will continue his work in Washington DC.
