This week’s PR news in brief (4-8 December)
Here’s our round-up of essential PR news stories and features from the past week, including an interview with National Geographic Food’s Maria Pieri, account wins for Tin Man and b. and new hires at MHP and 8 Outdoor.
Opinion
Golin‘s Michaela Gray says businesses should act now to prepare their comms strategies for “toxic fallout” from the new gender pay reporting rules.
Interviews
Maria Pieri, National Geographic Food‘s launch editor, discusses the reasons behind the magazine launch, its content and regular features and what she is looking for from PRs.
Account wins
The Spanish Tourist Office has appointed LOTUS to handle its PR, events and digital campaigns in the UK market following a competitive pitch. The agency has been tasked with raising the profile of Spain’s authenticity, broadly focusing on the themes of cities, culture and gastronomy.
Facilities management services provider ABM UK has appointed Seymour PR to design and deliver its Junior Engineering Engagement Programme (J.E.E.P) campaign to change the perception of facilities management and engineering in the UK.
Tonic PR & Communications will manage PR for London cocktail bars Callooh Callay and Little Bat. The agency will promote both brands to a London audience.
New lifestyle brand Invisible Heels has appointed b. to handle its PR. The agency will help the brand to promote its range of invisible insoles.
WaterAid has appointed Tin Man to promote its Untapped appeal, which aims to raise awareness of children living without clean water or a decent toilet.
Agency news
Specialist tech consultancy Red Lorry Yellow Lorry has announced that it will open an office in Berlin, headed by former Hotwire Germany head of client services and corporate communications Saskia Stolper.
People news
MHP Communications has promoted Gemma Irvine to head its brand practice. The appointment continues CEO Alex Bigg’s reorganisation of the agency’s senior team.
Launch has promoted Juliet Cameron to chief operational launcher, making her responsible for the day-to-day running of the business.
Manifest has appointed Andrew Soar, Saxony Goodwin and Woody Anderson as creative communications director, senior brand strategist and senior account director, respectively.
The PRCA’s 2018 PR and Communications Council has elected Amanda Coleman as its vice chair. Coleman, who is head of corporate communications at Greater Manchester Police, will take on the role in January.
Digital advertising signage company 8 Outdoor has appointed Eleanor Crossman as its marketing and communications director. Crossman previously worked at MWW and will report to chief executive Cennydd Roberts.
Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has appointed James Treacy as PR and communications manager. He joins from Tourism Australia.
Cheshire legal firm Aaron & Partners has appointed Christos Kottis as its head of marketing. Kottis will overseeing all marketing activity, including PR and comms.
PR events
Cision’s final webinar before Christmas will see Stephen Waddington, Ketchum’s chief engagement officer, make five PR predictions for 2018 and share practical tips on how you can prepare and take advantage of the opportunities. Sign up here and join Stephen and Philip Smith, Cision’s head of content marketing and communications, at 3pm on Tuesday 12 December to gain valuable PR insights for 2018.
Portland’s Rising Stars event
Portland brought together some of the most talented young communicators for its bi-annual Rising Stars event at London’s Hospital Club last Thursday.
Tim Allan, the agency’s group managing director, and Kate Andrews, news editor at the Institute of Economic Affairs, both made speeches discussing the importance of networking for young professionals.
