Category: PR & Communication

Mumbai: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey announced that it has appointed BBDO India as its integrated communications agency for the Indian market, following a multi-agency pitch. Energy BBDO Chicago is Jack Daniel’s global agency of record and was the agency behind its global repositioning campaign “Make It Count,” which came out in October 2020.

As part of the mandate, BBDO India will be responsible for handling creative strategy and execution for the Indian market and localization of global campaigns, apart from managing social, packaging, retail design, and mainline creative functions in India for Jack Daniel’s.

A true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world, Jack Daniel’s is the most valuable spirits brand in the world, as recognised by Interbrand. Brown-Forman, the makers of Jack Daniel’s, consider India as a strategic emerging market for the entire Jack Daniel’s family of brands as it continues to strengthen its position as one of the leaders in the premium spirits category in the country.

Speaking on the new partnership, Brown-Forman marketing manager for the Indian subcontinent and Maldives Vinay Joshi said, “We are very excited to partner with BBDO India as our integrated communications agency on Jack Daniel’s for India, which is a very important market for the brand. We are sure BBDO India will add immense value through its energy and creativity and help the brand to build meaningful differences with consumers even more effectively and consolidate its position as the largest selling American whiskey in the country.”

BBDO India chief growth officer Nikhil Mahajan added, “We are delighted to be associated with Brown-Forman and are super excited to handle Jack Daniel’s, one of the most iconic brands in the world. The bold and unpretentious values Jack Daniel’s exhibits have always led to great communication over the years, and as the brand treads on the growth path in the India market, we look forward to working with the visionary brand team to create more such iconic pieces of content and strategy.”

The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) announced the results of the 2022 winter round of the Accreditation Programme in Indian Public Relations (AIPR) for public relations professionals, including young professionals and emerging leaders.

Announcing the list of 22 PR professionals who qualified for the 2022 Winter round, PRCAI conferred each one of them with the prestigious AIPR pin. The Accreditation in Indian Public Relations is the premier certification for PR professionals in India, recognising those who have demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field.

In the 2022 winter batch, over 100 PR professionals applied to the program, with 51 moving on to the final jury round after successfully completing the preliminary aptitude test round. The rigorous process, overseen by the School of Communications & Reputation (SCoRe), the technical partner for PRCAI, tested the knowledge and skills of these professionals in all areas of public relations.

“I am happy to see a strong pool of PR professionals earn their accreditation; I am sure this will help in not only raising the benchmark for this industry but also in our pursuit of making this industry more professional, ethical, and prosperous,” said PRCAI president Atul Sharma. “This certification is a testament to their dedication to the profession and their commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism.”

The selection process for AIPR ran from October until December of this year, wherein professionals could apply for two levels of accreditation based on their work experience in public relations and communications. Fourteen professionals have been accredited under level 1 (1–5 years of PR experience), and eight were accredited under level 2 (6–10 years of PR experience).

PRCAI CEO Deeptie Sethi shared, “As an industry association, we are working towards raising the standards of skills in our industry, and AIPR is designed to identify the best in the profession and recognise them as certified and skilled experts. I am hoping that AIPR accreditation will be aspirational for our young community and will motivate them to invest in themselves with the constant upskilling that our profession truly demands. It is heartening to see these 22 individuals earn their accreditation and join the ranks of the top PR professionals in the country.”

The selection criteria were built on essential pillars of competence highlighted by leaders, and the process itself was modelled around prominent global accreditation frameworks. The final process comprised two key contributions. While the first section was the submission of professional capability and experience profiles, essays, and statements of purpose, the second was case study presentations to five seasoned jury members composed of leaders from PR consultancies, corp. communications, human resources, and academia across four cities.

SCoRe dean Hemant Gaule said, “SCoRe is committed to supporting the professional development of PR professionals in India, and we are honoured to be the technical partner for AIPR. We congratulate these 22 individuals on their achievement and look forward to seeing the impact they will have on the industry.”

Mumbai: Concept PR India has bagged the coveted Great Place To Work Certification in India valid through to July 2024! According to the Great Place To Work criteria, Concept PR employees completed a detailed survey on their perceptions, experiences and expectations from Concept PR. Employee feedback is an important constituent in assessing a company’s eligibility for the certificate Ergo, it promotes an inclusive atmosphere in which recognition is based on merit, career paths, and skill. Work culture incorporates a variety of incentives and encourages a healthy atmosphere for individuals, keeping them motivated to work and satisfied with work culture flexibility, inclusive diversity and fair remuneration and people feel like they are contributing to society while working for the company.

Backed by 30 years of data, Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Through its proprietary For All Model and Trust Index Survey, it gives organizations the recognition and tools to create a consistently positive employee experience. Its mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all, driving business growth, improving lives, and empowering communities. Through globally recognize and coveted Great Place To Work Certification and highly competitive Best Workplaces Lists, Great Place To Work enables employers to attract and retain talent, benchmark company culture, and increase revenue Its platform enables leaders to truly capture, analyse and understand the experience of every employee, and compare outcomes with data collected from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries worldwide.

Feeling elated about the milestone achievement, Concept PR managing director Ashish Jalan opined, “As a corporate family that extends beyond the workspace, giving a finer balance to work-life, our workforce has demonstrated the greatest level of high trust and has built a high-performance culture across the organization. What makes these awards even more satisfying is that they reinforce the collaborative environment and common goals towards success to which we are all committed. It’s a great moment, and we are thankful and delighted to convey this to each and every member of the team to keep this high and ongoing”.

Commenting on the achievement, Concept PR vice president – HR Smita Vichare Pednekar said, “Fulfilling the criteria built on the trust model which ensures that every single employee, no matter who they are or what they do for their company, is having a consistently positive experience at work. Great workplaces are able to maximise their human potential through effective leaders, meaningful values, and a deep foundation of trust with all employees. When all of these factors consolidate, the company’s workplaces benefit from these improved innovation and financial growth.”

In India, the institute partners with more than 1800 organisations annually across over 20+ industries to help them build High-Trust, High-Performance Cultures designed to deliver sustained business results. Hundreds of CEOs and CXOs from India Inc. are part of the great place community that is committed to the vision of making India a Great Place To Work For All.

The Institute’s research shows that great workplaces are characterised by great leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organisations can deliver a consistent experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level. Their leaders believe in the vision of creating and sustaining a great place to work for all and role models being for all leaders.

Mumbai: Fino Payments Bank, a subsidiary of Fino Paytech Ltd, which is backed by marquee investors like Bharat Petroleum, ICICI group, Blackstone, IFC, Intel, and LIC, among others, and is the only listed payment bank and first profitable payment bank, has appointed Streetlight Media as its strategic communication partner. The agency secured the account based on previous work experience following its association with the bank since 2018, and the brand will be serviced from its Mumbai office.

Frugal innovation is the key that has given fintech a leadership position at the middle of the pyramid, primarily comprising of emerging India customers. The Mumbai-based Bank operates on an asset-light business model that principally relies on fee and commission-based income generated from merchant network. It has appointed Streetlight Media as its strategic communication agency because of its extensive rural reach, commitments, and ability to deliver strategic outcomes.

As per the mandate, Streetlight Media will develop and execute Fino’s new-age communication strategy, manage and engage media spread across metros and smaller towns in Bharat. The agency will use its PR experience to improve the brand’s image, increase market visibility, and establish deep connections with the target audience. Combined with Fino’s history of innovation in the fintech sector, this partnership will solidify the brand’s position as a market leader in the fintech space.

“The team at Streetlight Media has displayed excellent understanding of our business, which is so critical for effective PR campaigns. As a partner, they have been agile, passionate, and resourceful. Their contribution to the overall visibility of the brand Fino Payments Bank both in national and regional media has been significant. With Streetlight we are in safe hands.” said Fino Payments Bank CMO Anand Bhatia.

Streetlight Media MD Tushar Santra added, “Since incorporation of Streetlight Media in 2009, we have focused on creating a unique blend to fulfill the vision of many enterprises. Our dedicated team with journalism experience will mark this partnership an exciting phase for both organizations. Our knowledge, performance, and strategic approach to the constantly changing media sector perfectly connect with Fino’s vision and objectives.”

Mumbai: In the ever-evolving world of public relations, having a reliable and innovative PR agency by your side is crucial for effective brand communication and reputation management. In India, several agencies have carved a niche for themselves with their strategic approach, creativity, and track record of successful campaigns. They have established themselves as industry leaders through their strategic approach, creativity, and ability to deliver exceptional results. Whether you’re seeking comprehensive PR solutions, crisis management expertise, or brand visibility, partnering with these agencies can provide the expertise and resources necessary to elevate your brand’s communication game. Here are the top five PR agencies in India, which have been leading the industry and setting new benchmarks:

Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a global communications powerhouse with a strong presence in India. Known for its strategic counsel and innovative campaigns, the agency has a robust team of PR professionals who excel in media relations, crisis management, and brand storytelling. Weber Shandwick’s extensive network and deep understanding of the Indian market make them a go-to agency for local and multinational brands seeking comprehensive PR solutions.

www.webershandwick.com

Cha-Chi

Cha-Chi Communications stands out as one of the top PR agencies in India, revolutionising the way businesses connect with their target audiences through modern integrated PR strategies. The young and dynamic full-service agency aims to bridge the gap between contemporary businesses and the evolving landscape of PR. With a strong commitment to delivering compelling messages to the right target groups, Cha-Chi Communications offers an omnichannel approach to meet the demands of today’s discerning consumers. Cha-Chi Communications is not only at the forefront of PR excellence but also actively contributes to industry insights. They conducted an India In-Depth Survey Report, which involved face-to-face interviews with over 2,000 Indians across 28 states and 7 union territories. This research-driven approach showcases their commitment to understanding the Indian market and leveraging data-driven strategies to deliver impactful campaigns. In a rapidly evolving PR landscape, Cha-Chi Communications stands tall as a visionary agency, combining creativity, strategic thinking, and innovative approaches to redefine PR excellence in India.

www.cha-chi.in

Edelman

Edelman is one of the world’s largest PR agencies, with a strong presence in India. Renowned for their strategic thinking and integrated communications approach, Edelman excels in building trust and credibility for brands. From corporate communications to public affairs and crisis management, they offer a comprehensive suite of PR services. Edelman’s in-depth industry knowledge and expertise have earned them a stellar reputation among clients across various sectors.

www.edelman.in

BCW

BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe) is a leading PR agency in India, known for its data-driven and insights-led approach to communication. They combine creativity with analytics to develop impactful campaigns that drive results. BCW specialises in corporate reputation management, crisis communications, and media relations. With a strong network of media contacts and a talent pool of experienced PR professionals, BCW delivers effective communication strategies for brands in diverse industries.

www.bcw-global.com

Ogilvy

Ogilvy is a renowned global communications firm with a strong foothold in the Indian PR landscape. They offer a wide range of PR services, including media relations, influencer engagement, and content creation. Ogilvy’s strategic counsel and storytelling prowess enable them to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across channels. With a legacy of excellence in the industry, Ogilvy continues to redefine PR standards in India.

www.ogilvy.com

Mumbai: Kaizzen has announced that it has been selected as the official public relations partner of Shalimar Paints. As their strategic communications partner, Shalimar Paints has entrusted Kaizzen with the responsibility of enhancing its corporate reputation, amplifying brand visibility, and supporting its strong expansion drive.

Kaizzen is one of India’s leading PR and Digital Agencies has for the second consecutive year bagged the prestigious top spot as the fastest-growing PR Agency in India, as per the PRovoke Global PR Agency Rankings – Fast Movers 2021.

Kaizzen founder & CEO Vineet Handa said, “We, at Kaizzen, are humbled to be entrusted by the legacy brand, Shalimar Paints. Weaving the rich history of Shalimar with new-age strategic communications at Kaizzen, we are confident that this partnership will foster a strengthened, long-term relationship. As their PR partners, we are fully committed to empowering Shalimar Paints in its journey of becoming the leading, tech-first paint manufacturing company.”

Talking about the association, Shalimar Paints Ltd., director – sales & marketing Kuldip Raina said, “Shalimar’s legacy spans across every corner of India, encompassing rural and urban areas, and embracing both traditional and modern generations. With Kaizzen’s extensive expertise, we are confident that they will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic roadmaps and implementing communication strategies for Shalimar. This collaboration comes at an exciting time, precisely when the paints industry is going through massive disruptions.”

With 120+ years of experience and expertise, Shalimar Paints is one of the oldest paint manufacturing companies in India. Keeping innovation at its core, the brand smartly knits its strong legacy with technological advancements to offer top-notch quality products to consumers across the country and beyond. Under every coat of Shalimar Paint lies a powerful layer of science designed to deliver a beautiful and long-lasting finish.

Mumbai: In times of turmoil, effective crisis communication is crucial for public relations (PR) agencies. A well-executed crisis management strategy can help organisations navigate through challenging situations, protect their reputation, and maintain public trust. This article explores essential strategies for PR agencies to master crisis communication during periods of turmoil.

1. Develop a Comprehensive Crisis Communication Plan

A solid crisis communication plan serves as a roadmap during tumultuous times. Start by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential crises that may impact the organisation. Outline key stakeholders, define communication channels, and establish a clear chain of command for decision-making and messaging approval. The plan should include pre-drafted crisis messages, media response templates, and guidelines for spokespersons. Regularly review and update the plan to address emerging risks and changing circumstances.

2. Act Swiftly and Transparently

When a crisis emerges, time is of the essence. PR agencies should respond swiftly to mitigate the impact and demonstrate their commitment to transparency. Establish a designated crisis response team responsible for monitoring the situation, gathering accurate information, and crafting timely and consistent messages. Promptly address public concerns, share pertinent updates, and be honest about the situation. Open and transparent communication builds credibility and trust with stakeholders, minimising the potential damage to the organisation’s reputation.

3. Tailor Messages to Different Stakeholders

Effective crisis communication requires acknowledging the diverse needs and concerns of various stakeholders. Craft messages that are tailored to each group, addressing their specific interests, questions, and potential impacts. Consider employees, customers, investors, regulatory bodies, and the general public as key stakeholders. Communicate through multiple channels, including traditional media, social media platforms, websites, and direct email communication. Customized messaging shows empathy and ensures that critical information reaches the appropriate audiences, fostering a sense of reassurance and understanding.

4. Monitor and Respond to Social Media

In the age of social media, PR agencies must actively monitor and engage with online conversations during a crisis. Establish a robust social media monitoring system to track mentions, sentiments, and emerging issues. Respond promptly to inquiries, provide accurate information, and address concerns in a calm and empathetic manner. Avoid deleting or ignoring negative comments, as this can escalate the situation. Instead, engage in constructive dialogue and use social media as an opportunity to showcase the organisation’s commitment to resolving the crisis and maintaining transparency.

5. Learn and Adapt from Past Crises

Each crisis presents an opportunity for growth and learning. PR agencies should conduct post-crisis evaluations to assess the effectiveness of their communication strategies. Identify areas for improvement and integrate these lessons into future crisis communication plans. Encourage open discussions within the team to share insights and experiences. Additionally, staying updated on crisis communication best practices, industry trends, and case studies will enhance the agency’s preparedness for future challenges.

Mastering crisis communication is essential for PR agencies during periods of turmoil. By developing a comprehensive crisis communication plan, acting swiftly and transparently, tailoring messages to different stakeholders, monitoring and responding to social media, and learning from past crises, PR agencies can navigate through challenging situations while safeguarding their clients’ reputation and maintaining public trust.

The author of this article is Glad U Came founder Maddie Amrutkar.

Mumbai: Whoplah Creative Co, a well-known PR & marketing agency specializing in innovative brand communication strategies, has announced its rebranding as Alkemi Media. This strategic transformation marks a significant milestone for the company as it embraces a new identity and embarks on a mission to unlock creative transformation for the digital age.

As Alkemi Media, the agency will continue to deliver exceptional PR services while embracing a refreshed vision and brand identity. The name ‘Alkemi’ represents the agency’s dedication to the art of crafting compelling narratives that captivate and inspire. By combining creativity, strategy, and a deep understanding of the media landscape, Alkemi Media aims to help brands and businesses uncover their true essence and reach their target markets in a more meaningful and well-rounded way.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new identity as Alkemi Media. Our rebranding signifies our continued commitment to helping our clients transcend boundaries and achieve remarkable success,” said Alkemi Media founder and creative director Karen Martin. “In today’s rapidly evolving PR landscape, brands need to navigate through complexities while remaining authentic and engaging. Alkemi Media stands ready to guide our clients on this transformative journey, combining innovation and creativity to achieve their goals without having to compromise on their larger brand message and ethos.”

Alkemi Media’s comprehensive suite of services encompasses Media Relations, Brand development, Design, Influencer Marketing, strategic brand partnerships, and immersive experiences that connect brands with their target audiences on multiple platforms.

The rebranding also extends to Alkemi Media’s digital presence, including the launch of their new website (www.alkemimedia.com) which showcases a refreshed brand identity, featuring a seamless user experience that embodies the company’s creative vision. The website serves as a platform for businesses to explore Alkemi Media’s diverse portfolio of success stories and learn more about their comprehensive suite of services.

As Alkemi Media, the agency continues to build upon its track record of success, partnering with clients to craft captivating narratives that disrupt traditional marketing approaches. By leveraging the power of media relations and embracing emerging trends, Alkemi Media empowers brands to establish meaningful connections with their customers, driving long-term loyalty and growth.

Mumbai: Aarya Automobiles, a leading player in the automotive industry, is delighted to announce its partnership with Adgcraft, a new age PR agency, as its communication partner for the highly anticipated launch of their flagship electric vehicle (EV) bike, ‘Commander’. This strategic alliance will further strengthen Aarya Automobiles’ presence in the electric vehicle market while leveraging Adgcraft’s expertise in crafting compelling brand stories and executing strategic communication campaigns.

Adgcraft’s specialized EV PR wing will work hand in hand with Aarya Automobiles to drive branding, communication, and market positioning initiatives. The team comprises more than a decade of experience in EV Content Management, Media Relations domain who will work closely with Aarya Automobiles team to leverage the launch in an efficient manner.

As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, Aarya Automobiles has been at the forefront of innovation and electrification. The company’s commitment to eco-friendly mobility solutions has led to the development of ‘Commander,’ a high-end EV bike that combines cutting-edge technology, performance, and style.

Speaking on the collaboration, Aarya Automobile director Tushar Chhabhaya said “As a founder of Aarya Automobile, I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Adgcraft as our PR agency. In this dynamic world of automobiles, it is crucial to have a team that understands our vision, values, and the pulse of our industry. Adgcraft’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives, its strategic approach, and their commitment to excellence align perfectly with our brand. Together, we will accelerate our reach, captivate our audience, and drive our success to new horizons. This collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and I am confident that Adgcraft will play a pivotal role in propelling Aarya Automobile to greater heights.”

Adgcraft is equally excited about the partnership and the opportunity to work with Aarya Automobiles. “We are honored to be chosen as Aarya Automobiles’ communication partner for the launch of ‘Commander.’ It is an extraordinary EV bike that represents the future of sustainable transportation, Our team is dedicated to creating a strategic communication plan that will captivate the audience, showcase the unique features of ‘Commander,’ and establish Aarya Automobiles as a leader in the EV market.” said Adgcraft managing director Abhinay Kumar Singh.

With this collaboration, Aarya Automobiles and Adgcraft aim to generate widespread awareness about ‘Commander’ and its revolutionary features. Through a comprehensive PR and communication strategy, they will engage key stakeholders, media outlets, and the target consumer base to build anticipation and excitement leading up to the launch.