Weber Shandwick Partners with Kenya's Gina Din Corporate Communications

NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading global public relations firms, announced it has extended its growing footprint in Africa with a new partnership with Kenya's leading independent PR agency, Gina Din Corporate Communications (GDCC). This partnership will further expand and strengthen Weber Shandwick's leading presence throughout Africa. With a network of offices, affiliates and partners Weber Shandwick Africa can now support clients in 20 markets across the Africa region.

Founded 16 years ago by Gina Din-Kariuki, GDCC is recognized as the leading integrated public relations firm in the East African region and has won many industry awards, both locally and nationally on behalf of its clients. GDCC has been a partner to many of the region's well-established brands and has worked closely with the telecommunications, financial and aviation sectors in the region.

"Africa is home to some of the world's fastest-growing markets, and Weber Shandwick has had a leading presence on the continent for some time," said Weber Shandwick Chairman Jack Leslie. "In the last few years, more and more global companies and institutions have come to us looking for the best way to develop markets in Africa. Gina Din will be a great partner in East Africa to help lead our expansion there to support our clients in this growing region and drive new relationships and growth."

Founder and Chair Gina Din-Kariuki spent her early years as head of corporate affairs for Barclays Bank of Kenya. She is well-respected throughout Africa, not only for playing a leading role in the communications arena but also in the philanthropic field, having championed various initiatives such as the "Kenyans for Kenya" campaign aimed at targeting famine and ensuring food security in Northern Kenya.

Welcoming the new partnership, Weber Shandwick EMEA CEO Colin Byrne said: "Africa is of growing importance to us and our clients. We already have a thriving business hubbed out of South Africa and growing client engagements across multiple sectors. Our new partnership in the key Kenyan market and East African region, with the country's most prestigious firm, and with Gina Din, one of the continent's most respected communications leaders, uniquely positions us to meet the marketing and communications needs of multinationals and local businesses in this market and allows us to further expand our offering across the continent."

Gina Din-Kariuki commented: "We are extremely excited to partner with Weber Shandwick, an established leader in both the African and global PR industry to provide our clients with the strength and insights of a global network, deep intellectual capital coupled with my team's experience not just in the East Africa region, but across Africa."

About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations firm with offices in 81 countries around the world. The firm has won numerous awards for innovative approaches and creative campaigns including being named both The Holmes Report's 2012 Global Agency of the Year and the "Most Creative PR Firm in the World," based on the agency's first-place finish in its "Creative Index," as well as PR News' 2012 Digital PR Firm of the Year. Major practice areas include consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate and crisis management. The firm has deep, award-winning expertise in social media and digital marketing that helps drive engagement. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.

SOURCE Weber Shandwick