Tag: Public relations

Singapore – International communications firm Ruder Finn Asia has announced the promotion of Brian Witte to head of Ruder Finn Southeast Asia corporate practice and the appointment of Pamela Phua to general manager of Ruder Finn Singapore.

Having been part of the Ruder Finn Asia team for over a decade, Witte advised numerous corporate clients, including Visa, Infor, 3M, DBS, BASF, Backbase, and Pan Pacific Hotels Group, during his tenure as General Manager of Ruder Finn Singapore. 

In his new role, he will focus on cross-border client collaboration and exploring new business opportunities in Southeast Asia.

“I am honoured to step into this position and excited to build on the strong foundation we’ve established in Singapore and across the region. Southeast Asia is a dynamic and rapidly evolving market, and I look forward to leveraging our corporate practice and regional expertise to help our clients navigate its complexities. My focus will be on fostering collaboration and identifying innovative strategies that drive business growth and strengthen positive reputation for our clients,” Witte stated.

Meanwhile, Phua brings over 20 years of experience in branding, integrated marketing, reputation management and strategic communications to her new role. Before joining Ruder Finn Asia, Pamela served as head of new business, Asia, PR & influence at Ogilvy, where she established a strong track record in client advisory and business development.

Moreover, she has managed high-stakes reputation management projects, navigating complex crises and safeguarding corporate reputations. Her experience spans consultancy and in-house roles, making her well-equipped to lead Ruder Finn Singapore.

“I am excited and honoured to join the acclaimed Ruder Finn Singapore team and look forward to driving creative strategies that will elevate our clients’ brands and reputations. My aim is to ensure we deliver impactful results and stay ahead in the dynamic communications landscape,” Phua said.

Both will report directly to Elan Shou, managing director at Ruder Finn Asia-Pacific, who stated, “These strategic appointments represent a major milestone for Ruder Finn in Southeast Asia as we expand and enhance our capabilities. Brian brings extensive expertise and established regional relationships, while Pamela offers an innovative approach and a strong background in integrated marketing communications. This will bolster Ruder Finn Asia’s regional presence as a leading integrated communications consultancy in Southeast Asia.”

New York, USA – The United Nations (UN) has issued an urgent appeal to government, tech companies, advertisers and the PR industry to step up and take responsibility for the spread and monetisation of content that results in harm.

This plea was made by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres following the launch of the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity.

This launch, done a year after the launch of his report into information integrity on digital platforms, has put forward a framework for coordinated international action to make information spaces safer and more humane, one of the most urgent tasks of our time.

These includes how misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other risks to the information ecosystem are fueling conflict, threatening democracy and human rights, and undermining public health and climate action. 

Moreover, the UN notes that the proliferation is now being supercharged by the rapid rise of readily available artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, increasing the threat to groups often targeted in information spaces, including children.

“The United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity aim to empower people to demand their rights. At a time when billions of people are exposed to false narratives, distortions and lies, these principles lay out a clear path forward, firmly rooted in human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and opinion,” UN Secretary Guterres said.

UN notes that advertisers should demand transparency in digital advertising processes from the tech sector to help ensure that ad budgets do not inadvertently fund disinformation or hate or undermine human rights.

Moreover, tech companies should scope business models that do not rely on programmatic advertising and do not prioritise engagement above human rights, privacy, and safety, allowing users greater choice and control over their online experience and personal data.

Lastly, UN states that all stakeholders involved in the development of AI technologies should take urgent, immediate, inclusive and transparent measures to ensure that all AI applications are designed, deployed and used safely, securely, responsibly and ethically, and uphold human rights.

Singapore – Popular anime streaming service Crunchryroll has appointed India-based Bloomingdale PR and Singapore-based Eastwest PR as their strategic communications agency partners in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

Based in India, Bloomingdale will be responsible for strategic planning and coordination of Crunchyroll’s regional PR efforts in India, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The scope of work includes strategic planning, client liaison, account management, media relations, and press office management, among others.

In Southeast Asia, Bloomingdale will be supported by Eastwest Public Relations for local strategic counsel in Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Based in Singapore, Eastwest PR will be responsible for landing high-impact earned media stories for Crunchyroll in all three markets and building the corporate reputation of Crunchyroll as the premiere destination for anime. 

The timely appointment of Bloomingdale and Eastwest PR will further drive brand awareness and accelerate user growth for the platform across the region.

Akshat Sahu, director of marketing for APAC at Crunchyroll, said, “We are excited to embark on this journey with Bloomingdale PR and Eastwest PR as our trusted partners in India and Southeast Asia. With their strategic counsel and expertise in media relations, we are confident in our ability to further establish Crunchyroll as the ultimate destination for anime enthusiasts in the region.”

Meanwhile, Diana Fernandes, founder and CEO of Bloomingdale PR, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are honoured to be entrusted with the PR mandate for Crunchyroll across Southeast Asia. The anime community is vibrant and growing quickly across South East Asia. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and creativity to elevate Crunchyroll’s brand presence and engage with fans across the region.”

Lastly, Naveen K, Partner at Eastwest PR, commented, “Millennials like us grew up watching anime as a hobby. Today, Gen Z has embraced the category as a beloved form of mainstream entertainment. There is perhaps no better household brand than Crunchyroll when it comes to anime, and we are excited to partner with the company to deliver impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences of all demographics.”

Australia – Independent agency Special PR has been tapped as the PR partner for PepsiCo brands Pepsi, Red Rock Deli, and Smith’s, extending Special Group Australia’s remit with the global giant.

This extension follows a successful competitive tender process in 2022 which saw Special Group awarded PepsiCo’s creative and advertising accounts for the Pepsi, Red Rock Deli, and Smith’s brands. 

The appointment will see Special PR develop creative earned campaigns, PR strategy and activation, content development, media relations, publicity, and influencer relationships across Australia, with a focus on Gen Z and culture.

Alex Bryant, founder at Special PR, shared, “When thinking about the type of clients and work we want to do with Special PR, PepsiCo fits the bill in every way. The ambition, bravery and incredible partnership ethos built between PepsiCo and Special so far has already allowed us to unlock such exciting work, which we can’t wait to unveil. This partnership aligns with our strategic ambitions of building a strong cultural and consumer lifestyle practice.”

Vandita Pandey, chief marketing officer ANZ, snacks & beverages at PepsiCo, said the company is thrilled to continue its partnership with Special in Australia.

“Special PR’s passion for culture, creativity and ideas which really get people talking was a clear selling point for us. The team’s ambitious spirit and individual track records across the consumer and lifestyle space proved Special PR to be the perfect partner,” she said.

Meanwhile Lindsey Evans, partner, and CEO Special Australia, commented, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring our incredible teams in both Special Group and Special PR together with PepsiCo. With the clever and creative minds working on these brands we look forward to continuing to create standout work that challenges conventions.”

The combined PepsiCo work for Special Australia and Special PR has so far seen the unveiling of Pepsi Max’s latest ‘Tastes OK’ campaign as well as Red Rock Deli’s launch of their new brand platform ‘Awaken Your Senses’ with a unique collaboration with Pnau with both campaigns launching earlier this month.

Singapore – Public relations consultancy Elliot & Co. has appointed Mayda Jutahkiti as its new managing director for Singapore and Jayeeta Mazumder as its new account director.

The new appointees will work closely to ensure the agency’s growth and success, ensuring that it remains relevant to the evolving needs of the industry.

In her new role as managing director, Mayda will spearhead the strategic direction, growth, and overall success of Elliot & Co. Singapore. She brings with her 20 years of experience in various capacities, fostering team dynamics and ensuring client satisfaction across industries.

She previously served as general manager at her previous agencies, Rice Communications and The Hoffman Agency. She had also worked on multiple startups like Remote, AI Rudder, and 3S Money, as well as established companies like Google, Salesforce, PayPal, LinkedIn, Audi, and MyRepublic, among others.

Meanwhile, Jayeeta, in her newly appointed role as account director, will work alongside Mayda to oversee the client portfolio and lead a team of PR and editorial experts.

She has a wealth of experience in PR and media, with 15 years of career in journalism and delivering effective communication strategies for global clients such as Netflix and WeWork. Prior to joining Elliot & Co., she worked with Monk’s Hill Ventures, where she collaborated with partners, founders, ecosystem builders, and thought leaders, gaining extensive knowledge of the media and PR landscape in Southeast Asia.

Jeremy Foo, founder and CEO of Elliot & Co., shared, “I am confident that Mayda and Jayeeta’s combined background across various industries, coupled with their diverse experience in serving a wide range of local and global clients, will steer the agency in this increasingly challenging and competitive space. They have already made their mark on the team, and I am eager to see how the agency evolves and flourishes under their stewardship.”

Commenting on her appointment, Mayda also said, “It is an exciting role for me where I feel empowered and can make a positive impact on the business. I’ve had the opportunity to work at two outstanding and people-centric organisations, so the focus on people and culture has really rubbed off on me. This will still be at the heart of all I do, even as we navigate a challenging environment, explore new horizons, and chart a course for a future of sustained success.”

Jakarta, Indonesia – SCOP3 Group has announced the appointment of Mike Forster as its new managing director, following the company’s recent acquisition of clients in Indonesia

Mike Forster brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record in his role at SCOP3 Group. Before joining the agency, Forster played a pivotal role in launching ShopEx for M&C Saatchi Indonesia, showcasing his innovative approach to brand activation and commerce marketing.

With a distinguished career spanning over 19 years, Forster has held various leadership positions within WPP agencies, demonstrating his expertise in brand building and fostering client relationships. 

Notably, he spent 12 years in the APAC markets, contributing to the growth and success of the region. Forster’s career has taken him across the globe, with significant roles in the UK, Netherlands, Russia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Korea. 

Throughout his career, he has also worked with renowned brands such as Chanel, Dunhill, Diageo, Google, and Porsche. His extensive experience in diverse markets and industries positions him as a strategic leader capable of driving SCOP3 Group’s continued success in the dynamic world of public relations. 

Speaking on his new role, he said, “I am thrilled to be a part of the SCOP3 Group family during this exciting phase of growth. Together, we aim to elevate SCOP3 Group’s standing in the industry and introduce innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our esteemed clients in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region.” 

Meanwhile, Rene Mayer, co-founder and CEO at SCOP3 Group, commented, “SCOP3 Group has always been committed to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence. With our recent partnerships and the addition of Mike Forster as our managing director, we are confident in our ability to expand our service offerings, particularly in branding and digital marketing. This marks a significant step forward in our aspiration to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions to our esteemed clients in Indonesia and the broader APAC region.”

SCOP3 Group has further strengthened its leadership in the industry by securing the representation of AYANA Hospitality. Moreover, its recent accomplishments go beyond its collaboration with Pan Pacific Hotels Group, where it manages global PR activities for Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, PARKROYAL Collection Hotels & Resorts, and PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, it also oversees the launch of Pan Pacific Hotels Group in Jakarta, located in the prestigious Thamrin Nine Complex.

Singapore – Independent PR agency W in Singapore has announced the launch of its travel specialist division LOTUS into Southeast Asia. The expansion of W x LOTUS into the region is poised to reshape the traveland hospitality sector, offering clients a suite of services to navigate the evolving landscape of global travel. 

The new agency model combines LOTUS’ expertise in representing destination, placemaking, and lifestyle brands since 2007 with W’s comprehensive services across all forms of earned media. 

With a breadth of services covering travel trade representation, business strategy, product development, crisis management, big brand campaigns, activations and events, clients will benefit from the combination of LOTUS’ deep understanding of the travel business, coupled with W’s strategic and creative prowess.

First acquired by W in 2018, LOTUS offers lifestyle and hospitality brands a holistic approach, encompassing traditional PR, social media, trade representation, and innovative marketing strategies. 

Their portfolio includes some of the travel industry’s market leaders including the leading outbound destinations in Europe, flagship carriers such as British Airways, and hospitality giants including Shangri-La and Avani Hotels. Recent expansion in the Middle East has seen the agency win Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia.

Warren Johnson, founder of W, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “This union represents the fulfilment of W’s vision to provide comprehensive solutions for the travel and hospitality sector. With the important rebound of international travel, W x LOTUS will offer our clients unparalleled insight, connectivity, and intelligence into the category.”

Meanwhile, Jules Ugo, CEO of LOTUS, commented, “We are excited to expand LOTUS’ services into Southeast Asia and forge a close partnership with W’s regional Asian headquarters in Singapore, enhancing the offering for trade shows, travel and tourism boards, and more. Together, we are well-positioned to cater to the dynamic travel and tourism market.” 

Singapore – Striving to adopt comprehensive policies and procedures concerning artificial intelligence, Milk & Honey PR has launched its latest initiative centred around the complexities of ethical AI implementation.

Dubbed the AI Ethical Playbook, this document places a central focus on the company’s dedication to responsibly embrace the use of technology in public relations. This then emphasises the specific use of AI within the PR industry as well as the importance of compliance and strategies for agency self-regulation.

In a company survey, 91% of Milk & Honey PR’s current clients believe that it is either fairly or extremely important for their PR agency to stay updated and embrace AI tools to enhance its services.

However, with data privacy and security risks identified as the primary concerns, the overall sentiment towards AI is divided between enthusiasm and cautious curiosity.

Talking about the company’s ethical standards and commitment, Meilin Wong, partner and CEO at Milk & Honey Singapore, said, “As an agency, we believe in embracing AI responsibly. The playbook serves as a testament to our commitment to ethical AI integration and as a guide towards human-centric use of AI in the realm of public relations. The Asia-Pacific region is vast and has unique cultural, social, and economic contexts.

“As brand communicators serving local and global clients in Asia, a human-led AI approach is all the more essential in ensuring authentic, trusted, and culturally nuanced messaging,” Wong concluded.

New Zealand – Artemis Communications, an independent communications agency, has been appointed by security service provider First Security to oversee their social media marketing and Google advertising with immediate effect. Artemis will also begin supporting First Security’s public relations and communications activities in the new year.

Apart from being appointed recently to supervise the Google Ads campaigns for the global fitness chain Anytime Fitness, where it will manage campaigns for both the central team and 12 franchises throughout Aotearoa, the agency is also commemorating its partnerships with florist Flowers After Hours and Omana Luxury Villas located in Waiheke Island. Since its introduction earlier this year, Artemis Communications continues to pick up growth under the direction of group CEO Isobel Kerr-Newell.

Speaking about the appointment, Scott La Franchie, general manager, marketing & product of First Security, said, “First Security has a long-existing and positive relationship with the team at VideoTaxi, so we are delighted to put our various digital marketing and PR needs into the capable hands of Artemis Communications – who have demonstrated how they can be a compelling one-stop shop for all our communications needs. With exciting projects coming up in 2024 for First Security, we look forward to extending how we work with Artemis as we continue to collaboratively drive content for our business.”

Meanwhile, Isobel Kerr-Newell, group CEO of Artemis Communications, said, “When we launched Artemis Communications, our intention was always to take a holistic approach to solving a client’s communications challenges and to seamlessly integrate a range of disciplines to create a full turn-key solution. It’s exciting to see this vision come to life with the growth of our digital marketing offering and these incredible clients come on board as we continue to evolve and grow.” 

Manila, Philippines – Local-based PR and creative solutions agency BrandComm Asia has announced the appointment of Zot Brillo as its managing partner.

He brings with him extensive experience of having worked with local and international brands across diverse sectors, including technology, lifestyle, beauty, fashion, motoring, FMCG, F&B, and properties. 

Moreover, he has championed building relationships over the years, enabling him to establish a robust network of media and influencers all over the Philippines.

In his new role, Brillo will spearhead the agency, oversee day-to-day operations, and lead a dedicated team of PR professionals to help provide world-class service to clients. Brillo’s expertise in crafting modern communications strategies and familiarity with traditional PR will be integrated into the creative strengths of the agency, such as in media and influencers management, strategic comms, events management, digital marketing, and creatives.

For Brillo, pushing for the integration of modern PR approaches and traditional communication strategies will help brands succeed in their businesses. He believes that the hybrid approach not only ensures that brands and companies resonate with their audiences but also positions themselves at the forefront of the ever-evolving industry.

“I am excited to join BrandComm Asia. Having had the privilege of working with local and global brands from different industries, I am committed to bringing a fresh and dynamic perspective to BrandComm. Our aim is to be a trailblazer, engaging clients in diverse sectors. We aspire to craft a modern identity that resonates, ensuring continued success in delivering impactful PR and communications solutions for brand,” he stated.