Top ten most-read in 2010

With my luck a big story will break this afternoon. Barring that, this will be my last post this year, before I return in the New Year. So, to add yet another year-end list to the mix, I’ve compiled a ranking of the top ten most-read posts from this blog in 2010.

There are a few surprises on here, but the most interesting trend must be that industry issues – particularly agency revenues – attract a special level of interest. Along with animated videos of Gordon Brown flinging his mobile phone.

MSLGroup wins United Technologies global PR pitch

Posted to the Holmes Report here

United Technologies Corporation (UTC), the giant US tech conglomerate, has selected MSLGroup to oversee a new global PR brief, following a keenly-contested review.

The Holmes Report understands that MSLGroup prevailed against a number of contending networks, including Porter Novelli, Burson-Marsteller and Ogilvy PR. The strategic PR brief, valued at as much as $1 million, focuses on North America and emerging markets, including China.

Stuart Smith departs H&K for global Ogilvy role

Posted to the Holmes Report here

Stuart Smith is to depart Hill & Knowlton to become global corporate practice director at Ogilvy PR.

Smith departs Hill & Knowlton after three years, most recently as head of the EMEA corporate practice. Prior to joining Hill & Knowlton, he was Edelman UK CEO.

Logica poised to pick lead European PR agency

Posted to the Holmes Report here

UK tech company Logica is expected to select an agency to lead its pan-European PR business, after narrowing its search to a final round shortlist.

It is understood that the brief, covering six European markets, is worth approximately $750,000. UK incumbent Bite Communications, and Lewis PR are understood to be in the fray, following a pitch that has also included at least two other agencies.

Danone hands global brief to Euro RSCG PR

Posted to the Holmes Report here

Danone has selected Euro RSCG PR to oversee a lucrative global repositioning assignment, focusing on the French food giant’s key probiotics portfolio.

The development comes with the company facing heightened EU scrutiny of its health claims regarding its Actimel and Activia probiotic yogurts. It is understood that Euro edged out Edelman in the final phase of the pitch, which took place in New York.

EMEA Consultancy of the Year shortlists announced

The Holmes Report has announced the finalists for its 2011 EMEA Consultancy of the Year awards. The winners will be announced on publication of the EMEA Consultancy Report Card at the end of January 2011, and will be presented with their trophies at our annual awards dinner, to be held in Prague in May.

To see the full list click here

UAE tasks PR firms with reputation review among DC influencers

Posted to the Holmes Report here

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called for agency counsel to help it understand how it is viewed by influencers in Washington DC.

The Middle Eastern country’s embassy has called on Edelman research unit StrategyOne, via its existing relationship with DC PR firm The Harbour Group.

McDonald’s unifies China PR with Weber Shandwick after Ketchum resigns

Posted to the Holmes Report here

McDonald’s has consolidated its China PR business with Weber Shandwick, following five-year incumbent Ketchum Newscan’s resignation from the business.

Ketchum’s decision to resign follows a review last year which saw it relinquish its full-service role on the account.

Study: US leads way, but ROI concerns limit social media innovation

Posted to the Holmes Report here

Three new research studies demonstrate that, where social media are concerned, the appetite for hard data appears unlikely to be sated anytime soon.

While much of the research in this area rarely offers more than a one-day headline, at least one of the new offerings – Meltwater’s Future of Content study – contains plenty that is worth reading, including the finding that clients in Europe are considerable more risk-averse about social media than their US counterparts.

Chinese PR giant urges independents not to sell to foreign agencies

Posted to the Holmes Report here

As global PR networks continue to hoover up many of China’s best independent firms, the country’s biggest local agency has advised its peers to resist the temptation to sell.

BlueFocus PR president Peter Mao made the comments to the Holmes Report after his firm listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange earlier this year. Four years ago, BlueFocus was the focus of a major bidding war between several international agencies, before a mooted deal with Huntsworth Group eventually fell through.