PPR and Burson-Marsteller Forge NZ Relationship

Thursday 14th July

An agreement announced today between leading New Zealand public relations agency Professional Public Relations (PPR) and global communications firm Burson-Marsteller will facilitate exceptional opportunities for New Zealand businesses, says PPR New Zealand Executive Chairman Sally Haysom.

The new relationship results in PPR New Zealand formally representing Burson-Marsteller and its clients in New Zealand.

“This move by Burson-Marsteller and PPR acknowledges New Zealand’s desire for greater international economic reach and impact,” says Sally Haysom.

“The strength of PPR’s local and Trans Tasman business capability, combined with Burson-Marsteller’s global reach will give New Zealand companies better access and a stronger voice in global markets.”

In welcoming PPR New Zealand to the Burson-Marsteller worldwide network, the firm’s Chief Executive for Asia-Pacific, Bob Pickard, said the new relationship is timely as the world economy focuses more on APAC.

“The importance of the New Zealand market will continue to increase for our global and regional clients,” says Pickard. “The PPR affiliation will deliver what these clients need in New Zealand, while also opening unparalleled opportunities for New Zealand companies through our international network and industry experience.”

“As communications becomes increasingly instant and interconnected, it is important for global organisations to be supported by timely, seamless communications support and channels on the ground wherever they operate.”

Pickard added that as one of the world’s leading public relations consultancies, “Burson-Marsteller looks forward to helping New Zealand companies communicate effectively anywhere in the world using the most advanced PR services.”

“We challenge the trend over recent years where organisations have been attempting to manage New Zealand communications from overseas, whether in Sydney or elsewhere,” says Sally Haysom.

“This approach is highly problematic, which is why we are committed to delivering world leading communications for New Zealand, in New Zealand. It is an exciting move for us and our clients,” she says.

The PPR group celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010, with its New Zealand business established in 1998. PPR has offices in Auckland (with affiliates across New Zealand) and every state of Australia, employing more than 170 people.

PPR services local and international clients and has been the most awarded consultancy at the annual PRINZ Awards for the past four years. It represents over 50 clients including Foodstuffs, Paper Plus Group, Emirates Airline, Bunnings Warehouse, Stanley Black & Decker and 3M.

Burson-Marsteller was founded in the United States in 1953 and now has more than 100 offices and affiliates around the world. Both Burson-Marsteller and PPR are full-service agencies working across the communications spectrum from strategic corporate counsel to consumer brand public relations and are part of the global WPP plc group.

ENDS.

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