David Drobis, Former CEO and Chairman of Ketchum, Inducted Into PRWeek Hall of Fame

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- David Drobis, a legendary figure in the history of global public relations firm Ketchum, was inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Fame earlier this month. Drobis joins the fourth class of inductees since 2013 along with five other giants of the communications world. Earlier in his career, PRWeek named Drobis one of the top 10 most influential people in the PR industry for the 20th Century.

The PRWeek Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated particular dedication and expertise in their careers to the communications industry and who continue to be regarded as influential by the next generation of leaders. 

Rob Flaherty, senior partner, chairman and CEO of Ketchum, said, "David was an icon at Ketchum and a role model for client service. However, I think David's impact on the industry is as great as it was on Ketchum. He believed that a rising tide raised all boats. And so, whether it was helping to form what is now the PR Council, or his work as chairman of the Arthur W. Page Society, he's one of the people who made sure this was an industry that could treat each other collegially. We could have friendships even though we might be competitors during the day. He looked out for other people's careers, and it's an incredible legacy."

Upon accepting the award, Drobis addressed his fellow honorees, many of whom climbed the ladder together, noting, "We did it with friendship and a collaborative approach that made it more interesting and a stronger industry as a result." He also thanked the leadership of Ketchum who were in attendance, for "the way they have maintained and evolved the distinctive culture at Ketchum that we built so long ago."

A pioneer in the PR industry, Drobis joined Ketchum in 1967 and rose from account executive to CEO. During his 36-year career, he helped grow Ketchum from a single office in Pittsburgh to a substantial global operation.

Drobis gave up the position of CEO of Ketchum in 2000, replaced by Ray Kotcher. He retired from the firm in January 2004, but stayed on as chairman emeritus and a consultant to the agency.

When asked what he was most proud of over the course of his career, Drobis said, "The people I met and worked with all over the world; how much we learned from each other; and how much we positively affected each other's lives."

About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. The winner of 19 Cannes Lions and an unprecedented five PRWeek Campaign of the Year Awards, Ketchum partners with clients to deliver strategic programming, game-changing creative and measurable results that build brands and reputations. For more information on Ketchum, a part of Omnicom Public Relations Group, visit www.ketchum.com.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, global health strategy and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

SOURCE Ketchum

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