PR news round-up (28 January – 1 February)

Here’s a round-up of PR news over the past week, featuring the launch of the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer and new hires at BCW London, Golin and GoFundMe. 

Opinion

Victoria Moffatt, founder of specialist legal PR agency LexRex, explores why agencies who find their niche can be hugely successful.

Interview

Fran Cavanagh, Ketchum London’s newly appointed head of research and analytics, discusses her new role, the importance of research and analytics in PR and the one business superpower she’d choose to have.

People news

BCW London has made two senior additions to its team. The agency has appointed Ed Green as managing director of its consumer marketing practice and Pete Sigrist as managing director of its technology and innovation practice. Both Green and Sigrist will join the firm’s UK board and report directly to UK CEO Rebecca Grant.

Concierge platform Ten Lifestyle Group has made changes across its senior comms and content teams. Former Wallpaper* digital director Anthony Thornton joins as global content director, while Kerry Anderson has been promoted from global head of PR to global head of  brand marketing and communications.

Corporate affairs consultancy Nudge Factory has appointed two new managing partners. Jason MacKenzie has been appointed managing partner of its corporate communications practice, while Kevin Davis joins as managing partner of its local government practice.

Golin has appointed Sophie Hodgson as executive director in its corporate team, where she will work with the agency’s B2B and technology clients.

GoFundMe has appointed Helen Dagley as its head of PR and partnerships. She will lead the company’s consumer PR activity, as well as developing relationships with key partners and charities.

GCI Health has made a number of new appointments to its London office. Kim Walker joins the agency as deputy managing director, while the agency has also appointed Rebecca Hibble as a director. Verity Andrews joins as senior account executive, with Zunera Sheik and Sarah Wood both hired as account executives. Finally, Alba Ruzafa-Martin joins as junior account executive.

Peregrine has appointed Nic Brady as digital marketing manager. She will work with clients to develop digital strategies to increase brand awareness and engagement with online audiences.

Financial PR and comms consultancy KL Communications has hired Alex Hogan as director, financial communications.

PR and financial communications specialist Prosek Partners has appointed Maria Jose Gonzalez as a senior account director.

PR and social media marketing agency 33Seconds has announced two new appointments. Stuart Larkin joins as creative lead, while Rosy Leader has been appointed as a senior account director.

No Brainer has made two new hires. The Cheshire-based agency has appointed Jonathan Touhey as an account manager, while Anna Williams joins as an account executive.

Account wins

Global ecommerce giant eBay has appointed TALK.GLOBAL to manage its lifestyle, fashion and beauty press office. The agency will handle campaigns, events and influencer and media partnerships.

Lingerie brand Agent Provocateur has appointed LMPR to handle its press and VIP relations.

The London Review of Books has selected Riot Communications to oversee activity celebrating the title’s 40th anniversary this year.

Dockless electric-assist bike and scooter firm Lime has selected The PHA Group to handle its UK PR.

Global fitness brand Beachbody has appointed Brandnation to handle PR and influencer marketing for its new apparel collection.

Data analytics firm Senseye has hired Roaring Mouse to run a proactive corporate and trade PR brand awareness campaign.

Global recruitment firm CareerBuilder has awarded its first PR retainer to 4media group. The agency will encompass a number of campaigns, while also boosting the company’s press office and news generation capabilities.

Online printing company InstantPrint has appointed Havas PR as its retained PR agency. Havas has been tasked with building brand awareness across the UK using local, regional, national and trade press.

The UK Gift Card and Voucher Association has appointed PR Agency One to enhance the reputation of the gift card and voucher industry among target audiences and key stakeholders.

The Bikeability Trust, the charity which manages the Department for Transport’s Bikeability scheme, has appointed Promote PR to raise awareness of the programme in England.

Agency news

Edelman has launched its 2019 Trust Barometer. This year’s survey has found that people trust their employer more than any other institution at 75%. The full report and its findings can be found here.

The PHA Group has agreed a strategic partnership with New York-based 5W Public Relations. The two companies will share resources across their respective regions, expanding their global presence.

CIPR news

The CIPR has announced its new board, with all three of its honorary officer position filled by women for the first time in its 70 year history. The full board can be found here.