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EchoWeave

HAVAS Red launches EchoWeave

 HAVAS Red has launched EchoWeave, a global specialisation designed to help brands master generative engine optimisation (GEO). Spearheaded by the agency's Australia and UK teams, the development gives communicators and marketers capabilities to understand, measure and elevate brand visibility as AI becomes the primary tool for how people search, compare and decide. 

EchoWeave delivers:

  • Multi-model competitor insights: Compare a brand’s visibility against competitors across AI search platforms in a single, comprehensive view.
  • Visibility insights: Track how brand visibility shifts over time and adjust strategy as AI models evolve.
  • Citation and source analysis: Discover which sources AI models rely on most and understand how a brand can become one of their trusted references.
  • Content scoring: Evaluate a brand’s existing content for AI relevance and optimise it to perform effectively at the prompt level.
  • Gap analysis: Identify the specific topics and prompt areas where a brand is underperforming and take clear corrective action.

Steve Fontanot, Commercial Managing Director, APAC, HAVAS Red, said LLMs are redefining brand discovery: "EchoWeave gives communications leaders the clarity and intelligence they need to ensure their strongest stories are understood, trusted and elevated within AI-driven environments."

Rachael Sansom, CEO, HAVAS Red Europe and UK, added: “The same question is coming from every CMO and communications leader we speak to: ‘How do we ensure our brand is accurately understood by AI?'

“EchoWeave gives leaders a clear, data-driven path to turn that challenge into a practical plan they can act on today.”  

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Finalists announced for the 52nd annual PRINZ Awards

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Finalists
Events

Finalists announced for the 52nd annual PRINZ Awards

The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) has announced the 55 finalists for the 52nd annual PRINZ Awards.

The finalists have been selected following a judging process led by a panel of industry professionals across New Zealand and overseas, with backgrounds spanning agency, in-house, and government roles. The panel is overseen by two Chief Judges, Tracey Bridges FPRINZ LPRINZ and Nikki Wright FPRINZ APR.

They commented: "The calibre of this year's finalists is exceptionally high, reflecting both the strategic maturity of the profession and the growing impact of communications in complex environments. The judging process has been rigorous and thoughtful, with strong debate around work that demonstrates clear outcomes, insight and real-world influence."

The awards span 14 categories, including the Telum Media Best Use of Media Relations and the new Best Use of Small Budget for Impact category. Gold award winners in the campaign categories will be shortlisted to take home the PRINZ Supreme Award.

Finalists will be invited to attend the 2026 PRINZ Awards Gala Dinner at the Hilton Auckland on Thursday 4th June, where Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards will be presented.

The full list of finalists can be found here.

Gambit
Moves

Gambit Communications strengthens team with senior hire

Gambit Communications has welcomed Bassel Barakat as Senior Director, in a strategic role overseeing key clients in the independent agency’s portfolio.

Bassel brings 12 years of experience to his new role, including senior positions on both the agency and brand sides. He has built and led communications strategies that span brand reputation across B2G, B2B, and B2C, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia.
 
In his most recent role, Bassel led external comms at Deloitte Middle East, working closely with a network of external and internal stakeholders, handling integrated campaigns, thought leadership, and crisis management. Prior to that, he held several senior roles at global and regional communications agencies, where he served clients such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Ferrari, Saudi Esports Federation, Saudi Football Federation, Saudi Ministry of Sports, Coca-Cola, Marriott International and Honeywell.
 
Jamal Almawed, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Gambit Communications, said: “Bassel’s career trajectory speaks for itself. His work has been recognised by industry bodies and titles like MEPRA, SABRE Awards and Campaign Middle East, making him the right person to take on this strategic role. We’re excited to have his expertise in our team, as we continue to grow in our ‘Gambit 3.0’ phase of expansion.”

COCO
Industry update

COCO PR adds luxury brand to client roster

A high-end audio brand, Devialet, has appointed COCO PR & Communications Agency (COCO PR) as its strategic communications partner following a competitive pitch.

The year-long retainer will see the agency drive brand awareness through experiential campaigns including pop-ups, immersive audio showcases, partnerships and media engagement, aimed at growing Devialet’s presence in the market.

Shanthi Jeuland, Managing Director of COCO PR, added, “Partnering with a visionary brand like Devialet is an exciting opportunity for us. We look forward to applying our extensive track record in managing luxury lifestyle brands within Singapore and the broader regional market to amplify Devialet’s presence through storytelling and activations that truly connect with the modern consumer.”