Ketchum and Kenyon International Announce First-of-its-kind Global Crisis Management and Communications Partnership

LONDON and NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, a leading global communications agency, and Kenyon International, the world's leading crisis management firm, today announced that they will join forces to deliver the first truly integrated global crisis, disaster management and communications offer. The partnership pairs the experience and practicalities of Kenyon's complex disaster management expertise, which includes on-the-ground, post-disaster response, with Ketchum's global crisis communications experience and expertise. The agreement was signed in London between David Gallagher, Ketchum senior partner and CEO for Europe, and Robert Jensen, Kenyon CEO.

In the event of disasters that include casualties and, at times, fatalities, integration and collaboration between operations and communications is critical to a rapid and effective response that keeps all vital stakeholders informed. Lack of alignment can be disastrous for an organization's reputation and operations. It is this insight that brought Kenyon and Ketchum together in a unique partnership.

"Kenyon is the global leader when it comes to crisis and disaster management, and we are proud to partner with them," said Gallagher. "We are confident that when integrated with Ketchum's deep knowledge and expertise in crisis communications, media and stakeholder analytics, and content development, we will be offering our clients a unique and holistic reputation management service."

Jenson said, "Many organizations believe they are ready to manage complex and sudden events involving people. But recent history has shown that, in reality, most aren't. They have not identified the surge resources of people, equipment and systems immediately needed to manage and respond to these events. It is only when an event occurs that organizations discover the shortfalls in planning, training and response. This partnership with Ketchum will enhance Kenyon's already world-leading offer."

The partnership will be led out of London and is global in reach. While exact details of the partnership will be rolled out in the coming months, Kenyon and Ketchum will support industries in evaluating the processes, procedures, and partners they have in place to support them during major and often tragic events involving people. Both existing and future clients of Kenyon and Ketchum can benefit from this new partnership.

About Kenyon International
Kenyon is an international leader in worldwide disaster management, providing pre-incident crisis planning and post-emergency response services on behalf of the world's foremost companies. Privately owned, Kenyon remains the only firm in its business with a hundred year history, comprehensive resources, and experience in every type of mass fatality accident including aviation disasters, natural disaster, war and terror attacks. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, it has offices and facilities in Sydney, Australia; London, U.K.; Beirut, Lebanon; and Hong Kong.

About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. Named 2012 PR Agency of the Year (PRWeek) and the winner of an unprecedented three consecutive 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 Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., visit www.ketchum.com.

About Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

SOURCE Ketchum