PR News From Hunter PR, Ruder Finn, W2O Group & More..
The latest news from around the public relations industry continues to indicate more growth and strategy across the board. As industry professionals jockey for position, creativity is necessary to stand out.
Hunter Has a New Brand Identity
Hunter has rolled out a new brand identity this month, as the company continues to grow after 30 years in the PR industry. Observers will notice that the former name of Hunter Public Relations is now a shortened moniker of simply Hunter. This is a nod to the diversification that the firm has undergone in an effort to expand operations to a robust portfolio of clients.
New Promotions and Hires for 42West, Ruder Finn
Two publicists, Susan Ciccone and Tom Piechura, have been tapped for promotions within 42West. The two will be designated as co-presidents, stepping up from managing director positions for Entertainment Marketing at 42West. The two publicists will head up the East and West offices and will use their long tenure of experience, including work on Emmy campaigns, with the firm to oversee the continued growth of the Entertainment Marketing department. In other news, Ruder Finn has replaced now-former head of healthcare Katy Compton-Bishop with Neil McGregor-Paterson. Compton-Bishop has left the firm after spending 11 years there. McGregor-Paterson will head up the European arm of healthcare out of Ruder Finn’s London office. He will now oversee growth of the healthcare department of the firm.
Shannon Barr Steps Out on Her Own
Over at Rogers & Cowan, now-former senior vice president Shannon Barr has vacated her role, electing instead to form Strategic Public Relations. Billed as a boutique public relations firm, the focus of the new company will be personal PR and lifestyle. Barr has a healthy roster of artists who will be going with her to Strategic Public Relations. Barr will be drawing on her experience to help launch artists’ careers and find emerging talent.
Growth for W20 Group
For the 17th year in a row, W20 Group has recorded double-digit growth numbers. For 2018, W20 Group has reported $177m in revenue, which marks a 23% YoY increase from 2017. The growth is credited to an aggressive strategy implemented using acquisitions beginning in 2016. Between the addition of new clients and the expansion of services offered, W20 Group continues to see promising growth. The firm has also opened three new offices, located in Washington, Atlanta, and Zurich.
Saudi Investment Fund Looks to U.S. for Distance
The public investment fund valued at $200 billion from Saudi Arabia has hired a U.S. PR firm to handle its obligations in a continued effort to distance itself from the Saudi crown prince. The contract, valued at $120,000 per month, was signed in mid-February and will involve the provision of investment counsel and public relations advice. The private investment fund, or PIF, plans to open offices the U.S. and will be creating thousands of jobs in the process. The PIF, which has dealt with fallout from the crown prince’s perceived actions, will be making a concerted effort to create distance and operate with wealth fund transparency.
