PR News of PR Firms: Golin, Havas & more…
Golin, an IPG agency, has promoted Hollie Pantano to the newly created role of Associate Managing Director, West Coast. Previously an executive director in Golin New York’s brand marketing practice, Pantano joined Golin in 2016 from FleishmanHillard. In her new role, she will collaborate with the Los Angeles and San Francisco leadership teams to enhance Golin’s West Coast presence, focusing on new business efforts, fostering a top-tier culture, and promoting best practices across the agency. “Hollie’s exceptional track record in New York and her integral role in significant client wins make her the ideal leader for our West Coast operations,” said Golin North America co-president Dawn Langeland.
Havas agencies Havas London, Havas Lemz, Havas New York, and Havas Immerse have lost their B Corporation certifications due to Havas Media’s contract with Shell. The nonprofit B Lab, responsible for certifying B Corporations based on transparency, accountability, sustainability, and performance, revoked the status following complaints from other agencies. Although Havas Media itself wasn’t B Corp certified, its association with the Havas name affected the entire company. The campaign group Clean Creatives, which urges advertising and PR agencies to avoid working with fossil fuel companies, spearheaded the backlash. “Creative agencies should not be working for the companies destroying the planet,” stated Duncan Meisel, executive director of Clean Creatives.
The Consultancy PR has been re-engaged by The Container Store to handle media relations, influencer partnerships, events, new launches, and overall marketing communications. Their collaboration will focus on promoting the retailer’s Custom Spaces initiative, which includes products for closets, living spaces, and garages. The Container Store, founded in 1978, operates more than 100 locations nationwide and has an online store.
JPA Health has acquired London-based communications agency Akt Health, known for its PR, medical education, and patient engagement services. This partnership will expand JPA’s capabilities in the U.K. and Europe, offering comprehensive services including corporate communications and scientific storytelling. JPA CEO Carrie Jones emphasized the synergy and the ability to deliver both globally and locally. The acquisition, completed on June 30, is JPA’s third in a year. Akt’s founders will join JPA as executive directors, and its 23 staff will merge with JPA’s team, totaling nearly 150 employees. Akt Health will maintain its branding temporarily.
