MxMIndia

Tag: PRWeek

  • This shift follows a multi-year plan designed to ensure a seamless management transition at the highly successful agency

    Ketchum appoints Rob Flaherty CEO, Ray Kotcher becomes Chairman

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ketchum has announced that Rob Flaherty, senior partner and president, will also assume the role of chief executive officer, effective July 1. Raymond L Kotcher, senior partner and CEO, will become the chairman. This shift follows a multi-year plan designed to ensure a seamless management transition at the highly successful agency, which PRWeek recently named as its 2012 agency of the year.

     

    Mr Flaherty joined Ketchum in 1989 and was named president in 2008. He will continue to report to Mr Kotcher. Over the course of his tenure Mr Flaherty has been involved in all aspects of the firm including having successfully led its largest office (New York), one of its global practices (Corporate) and several of its largest client engagements. He has counseled client organizations and brands including IBM, FedEx, Philips and Pfizer.

     

    According to Dale Adams, President and CEO of Omnicom’s Diversified Agency Services group (DAS): “As CEO, Ray developed the Ketchum brand into one of the most successful in the DAS group of companies and in the public relations sector. I have great respect for Ray’s leadership and many accomplishments and am pleased to have his continued commitment and involvement as chairman. His ability to lead and plan with this group will ensure the transition to Rob will be seamless.”

     

    Mr Kotcher, started at Ketchum in 1983, was appointed president of the agency in 1992, and in June 2000 was named CEO. As CEO, he transformed and grew the firm. In 2009 Kotcher led one of the public relations industry’s largest-ever mergers when Ketchum and Pleon combined operations to create the leading communications consultancy in Europe.

     

    Under his leadership, Ketchum’s geographic client-service footprint also grew in developing markets through acquisitions in China, India and Russia and a joint venture in the Middle East. As CEO, Kotcher also led the development of a range of offerings in areas such as change management, sports and entertainment, and word-of-mouth marketing.

     

    “I am privileged to have served as Ketchum’s CEO through more than a decade of extraordinary change and opportunity in the communications industry,” said Mr Kotcher.

     

    “The appointment of Rob to CEO has been long planned for and he is distinctly qualified for this role,” he continued.

     

    As chief executive, Mr Flaherty will work with Mr Kotcher and other leaders of the firm to guide agency strategy. He also will remain focused on providing clients with breakthrough ideas and the agency’s talent with clear opportunities for growth.

     

    “Having called Ketchum my home for 23 years, I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO from Ray. Ray has been an outstanding leader, mentor and friend. I tremendously value our partnership and am looking forward to it continuing,” said Mr Flaherty.

     

     

  • The Biennial Event, held inDubai, attracts global leadership of PR Industry

    Prema Sagar to speak at 20th PR World Congress

    By A Correspondent

     

    Genesis Burson-Marsteller announced on Tuesday that Prema Sagar, Founder and Principal, will be participating in the 20th Public Relations World Congress (PRWC) to be held Grand Hyatt,Dubaion March 13-15.

     

    Ms Sagar will join a venerated list of speakers including the pioneer of public relations and founding Chairman of Burson-Marsteller, Harold Burson. In a survey conducted by PRWeek, the industry’s foremost periodical, Burson was described as “the century’s most influential PR figure.” Burson, who brings over 65 years of industry leadership, is a singular figure in the world of public relations, having won numerous industry honours, supporting an array of organisations and charities, and serving as a mentor to countless communications professionals.

     

    “I look forward to participating in this wonderful event that draws on the knowledge and experience of so many respected thought leaders from around the world. It’s an opportunity to share and gain perspective on the latest trends and best practices from the best in the field,” said Ms Sagar.

     

    Ms Sagar will be joining an expert panel of public relations professionals scheduled to speak on Wednesday, March 14. The theme of the panel is Public Relations in an age of Dialogue: Opportunities and Challenges. Also invited to speak are Lord Tim Bell, Chairman, Chime Communications; Dr. Herbert Heitmann, Executive Vice President, External Communications, Royal Dutch Shell plc; Khalid Al-Maeena, Editor at Large Arab News and former head of Saudi Public Relations Company and Richard Linning, IPRA President 2011.

     

    Over 500 professionals from over 35 different countries are expected to attend this year’s event. Sunil John, Chairman of the PRWC Organising Committee and Chief Executive Officer of ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller expressed his excitement about the upcoming event. “We are thrilled Prema is able to join what is shaping up to be an incredibly strong lineup. I look forward to welcoming industry colleagues to this part of the world where together we can assess and discuss the myriad challenges our industry is facing, not only here in the Middle East, but around the globe,” he said.

     

    Genesis Burson-Marsteller isSouth Asia’s leading integrated communications firm specialising in public relations, public affairs and digital marketing services. The firm has seven offices and a domestic affiliate network that reaches over 100 cities across the country. Genesis Burson-Marsteller is known for its evidence-based strategy, strategic counseling, innovative execution and strong focus on measurement of results.