PR News
Pictured from left to right: Laurent Ezekiel, Floriane Tripolino, Devika Bulchandani

WPP announces global leadership appointments

WPP has made a series of strategic global leadership appointments and named Devika Bulchandani as Chief Operating Officer of WPP, and Laurent Ezekiel as Global CEO of Ogilvy Group and Executive Sponsor for WPP Open X. Additionally, Floriane Tripolino has been appointed CEO of WPP Open X, WPP’s bespoke agency team dedicated to The Coca-Cola Company.
As Chief Operating Officer, Devika is responsible for commercialising services and solutions across WPP to drive intelligent growth for WPP’s clients worldwide. Prior to this, she was Global CEO of Ogilvy, where she worked to diversify the network’s client roster over four years.

Succeeding Devika as the new CEO Ogilvy Group, Laurent oversees the creative network’s global business, spanning integrated marketing capabilities that include advertising, PR, social & influence, customer engagement, consulting, and health. Laurent most recently served as CEO of WPP Open X for The Coca-Cola Company, after securing the the global marketing agency partnership in 2021.

In her new role as CEO of WPP Open X, Floriane is tasked with building upon model established in 2021 that brings together creative, media, social, influencer, commerce, PR, data, and technology into a marketing ecosystem. This global network-to-network partnership was specifically designed to support The Coca-Cola Company’s marketing transformation.

“These appointments underscore WPP’s commitment to delivering unparalleled value and innovation. Devika’s deep obsession with helping our clients grow and win, will help us accelerate our growth across the entire WPP landscape. Laurent's close, successful partnership with The Coca Cola Company and creation of WPP Open X gives him valuable insight and experience to help navigate the needs of our largest clients, many of which are housed in Ogilvy," said Cindy Rose, CEO of WPP.

"These leaders embody the strategic vision and creative excellence that define WPP. Their collective expertise will play a crucial part in helping me drive WPP to our next phase of growth and ensuring our clients continue to win in a rapidly evolving market.”

(Pictured from left to right: Laurent Ezekiel, Floriane Tripolino, Devika Bulchandani)

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Action Global Communications welcomes two former F&B clients to roster

Independent full-service communications firm, Action Global Communications, has been reappointed PR agency by its former clients, Joe & the Juice and Sarood Hospitality.

Joe & the Juice launched in the UAE three years ago. The brand currently has 27 outlets across the Emirates and plans to expand and increase market awareness by opening up to 50 more outlets, with support from Action.

Dubai-owned Sarood Hospitality operates a portfolio of five concept restaurants: The Bolt Hole, The Duck Hook, Hillhouse Brasserie, The Noodle House, and Trattoria. The new appointment sees the agency look after Sarood Hospitality’s corporate communications, as well as helping drive growth and awareness for The Noodle House and Trattoria.

“Our experience and sector expertise evidently positions us as an ideal partner for F&B brands wanting to heighten their integrated communications activities across the UAE,” said Camilla d’Abo, Managing Director UAE at Action Global Communications. “We know F&B is an incredibly competitive sector, yet we understand these brands intimately and believe we have the ingredients to create culinary magic for Joe & the Juice and Sarood Hospitality over the coming years.”

Action UAE hospitality client portfolio includes Waldorf Astoria properties in DIFC and on Palm Jumeirah, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Al Ghurair Investments - including its Flayva food hall and other F&B venues, Embassy Suites by Hilton Business Bay, and Hilton Garden Inn. The agency also oversees communications for the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and its divisions.

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Marriott promotes marcomms assistant director in Penang

Ketty Ooi has been elevated to Assistant Director of Marketing Communications at Penang Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Penang. Based in Malaysia, she leads communications and marketing, overseeing public relations, digital, social media, F&B marketing, and advertising initiatives.

Ketty first joined the team as a Manager, after spending three years with Courtyard by Marriott Penang.

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Agent99 kicks off its new quarter with a string of new clients

Independent PR agency, Agent99, has secured a series of new client wins in the new quarter, spanning wellness, lifestyle, AI, and thought leadership:

  • Australian immersive sound medicine studio, Frequency Lab, has tapped the agency to spearhead an announcement campaign, drive awareness through media and influencer engagement, and profile founder Kim Williams as an expert in the field.
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  • Australian hard coolers and drinkware brand, Kodiak, has signed with the agency for a consumer-facing campaign.
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Founder and Director of Agent99, Sharon Zeev Poole, said: "As we enter the final months of 2025, we're seeing real momentum across several promising sectors, particularly in the wellness and AI space.

"We look forward to executing dynamic campaigns for these new clients and growing our roster in these speciality areas."

In addition to these new appointments, the agency has also celebrated ongoing client relationships in the lifestyle and consumer space with Click Frenzy and Hunter Valley Gardens re-signing for new campaigns.