Braithwaite Communications: Philadelphia PR Firm, Now Part of Arketi Group

Part of Philadelphia PR Firms · See also: Q&A with founder Hugh Braithwaite

Braithwaite Communications is a Philadelphia-based public relations and integrated marketing agency built around storytelling as its core methodology. Founded in 1998 by Hugh and Carolyn Braithwaite, the firm built its reputation over nearly three decades on strategic storytelling, branding, crisis communications, and digital marketing for clients spanning financial services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, technology, consumer brands, nonprofits, and industrial sectors. In May 2026, the firm was acquired by Atlanta-based Arketi Group, marking a significant consolidation move in Philadelphia's independent PR landscape.

History and Leadership Transition

Hugh Braithwaite founded the agency in 1998 alongside his wife Carolyn, building it around the idea that great branding depends on compelling narrative — the firm's stated philosophy of using "the art and science of storytelling" to shape brand reputation. Hugh Braithwaite became a well-known figure in Philadelphia's communications community, serving as a guest lecturer on crisis communications and public relations at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania beginning in 2002.

On January 1, 2024, Jason Rocker — with more than twenty years at the firm — was named President, taking on day-to-day leadership. Hugh Braithwaite has since passed away; the firm and Philadelphia's communications community have publicly honored his legacy as a storyteller and mentor.

The Arketi Group Acquisition

In May 2026, Braithwaite Communications — described in coverage as "the nearly 30-year-old Philadelphia PR firm" — was acquired by Arketi Group, a B2B-focused marketing and communications agency headquartered in Atlanta and led by CEO Mike Neumeier. The deal was framed as a significant shift in Philadelphia's independent communications landscape, bringing one of the city's better-known independent agencies into a larger, multi-market group.

Services and Specialty

Braithwaite Communications operates across public relations, content marketing, crisis communications, branding and creative strategy, and digital and social media marketing. The agency has historically staffed its team with former journalists, news anchors, and feature writers, and runs an in-house creative design team. Its crisis communications practice has included work counseling legal teams navigating high-stakes brand crises.

Notable Clients

The firm's client roster has included Wawa, Merck, FMC, Aesculap, and the National Liberty Museum, alongside work for organizations including the Free Library of Philadelphia.

EPR Coverage

Everything-PR has covered Braithwaite Communications since 2018. For related coverage, see the Q&A with founder Hugh Braithwaite.

Related: Philadelphia PR Firms · PR Agency Profiles Directory