Summer is here and that means that PR news is heating up around the globe.
Here are just some of the most recent stories to emerge about PR Agencies
Peppercomm’s Birkhahn and Moed Leave to Create Hot Paper Lantern
Co-founder of PR company Peppercomm, Ed Moed recently announced that he is leaving the firm to launch a new affiliate brand. Other staffers will be departing Peppercomm to build the new firm “Hot Paper Lantern” with Moed. Mike Friedin, Chief Strategy Officer, Deborah Salerno, the CFO, and Sara Whitman, MD, are all preparing for their departure. Additionally, president and partner Ted Birkhahn will also be leaving the Peppercomm business, although he says that the leaving parties will remain a part of the same family – though they’ll be operating independently.
Walker Sands Welcomes 3 New Leaders
On the 3rd of July, a digital marketing agency and integrated PR company – Walker Sands announced that they will be elevating three senior account directors to a partnership role this week. Chicago PR leaders Erin Jordan and Allison Ward will join the Seattle team leader Annie Gudorf. All three will take on their partnership role this month.
Edelman Announces Middle-East CEO
On the second of July, PR Firm Edelman announced that a previous director for Edelman Saudi Arabia will join the Edelman Middle East firm as a new CEO. Omar Qirem will be reporting to the CEO of Edelman EMEA, Carol Potter. Qirem was born and raised in Saudi Arabia and has plenty of experience in the communications industry, building on connections with business and government firms. Omar will be coming to Edelman Middle East with all the experience he needs to thrive in communication projects across various markets and sectors.
oBike Blames New Regulations for Their Singapore Exit
The bike-sharing company, oBike announced recently that they are shutting down their Singapore operations and they won’t be applying for any licensing from the Land Transport Authority, following complicated regulations in the space. This announcement comes only a couple of weeks after the operator removed its business from Australia too. Clearly, oBike is in some trouble, as it also owes several months’ worth of PR fees to Ruder Finn in Singapore. Apparently, the company started using Ruder Finn’s services last autumn, but its contract is on hold due to payment problems.
North 6th Agency Welcomes Daniela Mancinelli as COO
At the end of June, North 6th Agency – a communication and social media agency in New York and Toronto announced that they have appointed Vice President Daniela Mancinelli to the role of Chief Operating Officer. In this new position, Mancinelli will be overseeing senior management teams across various marketing, sales, and talent departments.
ICF Olson Chooses Bryan Specht to Lead Brand Work
Global consulting and digital marketing company ICF recently announced expanded roles for important parties within ICF Olson – the tech, communication and marketing agency. The president of ICF Olson’s social and PR agency, Olson Engage, Bryan Specht will be assuming leadership over the agency’s brand work. In his new role, Specht will be responsible for making sure that the agency’s brand and engagement teams continue to operate smoothly in conjunction with ICF Olson’s other practice areas.