PR Happenings: Pollack PR, Bell Pottinger & More…
Both Los Angeles and London always have a lot happening, and PR is no exception. Here’s what’s going on in LA and across the pond recently.
Pollack PR remains AOR for SodaStream USA
After a three-month review process, SodaStream USA, the leading distributor and manufacturer of home sparkling water makers globally chose to remain with Pollack PR Marketing Group as their agency of record in the health and wellness sector.
President of SodaStream North America, Doug Pritchard, said, “We selected PPMG because of their previous successful track record in working with health and wellness products and for the actionable go-to-market integrated approach to strategic PR and marketing services.” PPMG will work to educate the public about the health benefits of SodaStream’s new products helping consumers get to that elusive 8 glasses of water per day.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, PPMG also has offices in New York and is a multi-specialty agency with 30 years’ experience. They manage corporate reputations, launch new products and services, promote brand engagement, and develop communication programs and platforms. PPMG is a WORLDCOM Public Relations Group partner, and some of their clients include Baskin Robbins, USC, the USO, Bel Air, and Make a Wish Foundation.
Bell Pottinger PR adds Madonna to their list of clients
Bell Pottinger, a London PR firm co-founded in the 1980s by Lord Bell after leaving service as Margaret Thatcher’s media advisor, recently confirmed they now represent the “Material Girl.” They’ve been brought in to help offset recent bad press affecting the contentious custody battle over her 15-year-old son, Rocco.
The PR firm went through some scandals in 2011, and some outsiders may not like some of their clients, but they continue to thrive under the leadership of James Henderson, CEO, who also advises Sarah, Duchess of York, on an unpaid basis. Some have described the firm as having “the most controversial client list in PR.” They specialize in speech writing, SEO, and lobbying for governments, organizations, and high-profile or high-net-worth individuals.
Next 15 celebrating high year-to-year revenue growth
Richard Eyre, CEO, said “These are good times for Next 15,” as the company announced a rise in 2015 revenues of 18.9% to $185.2 million, in large part due to growth in the U.S. New clients acquired in 2015 added to the growth and included O D D, publitek, and twogether, adding about 11% of the yearly overall growth.
On strength of their operations, the company arranged £30M with HSBC for financing acquisitions. Next owns 17 agencies including M Booth, Bite, Lexis, Text 100, Outcast.
