Innovation Is Focus of Brand-Building Approach ATLANTA, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Expectations of at least 20 percent growth in the energy sector next year and an intensifying energy policy debate frame the backdrop for the launch of Ketchum Energy, a specialty group within the global public relations firm focused on helping clients differentiate and advance their brands, products and positions in the dynamic energy industry. Ketchum recently expanded its strength in energy expertise with the merger of Ketchum and leading European corporate communications consultancy Pleon, and has created a network of energy communicators. Ketchum Energy is led by Jerry Thompson, a Ketchum partner and senior counselor based in Atlanta, Ga., and Rene Mono, Ketchum Pleon's leader of the agency's energy network in Europe. "Ketchum sees an extremely vibrant energy sector as we partner with many of the world's leading energy companies and brands to help them communicate and advance new ideas, products and projects," said Raymond L. Kotcher, senior partner and CEO, Ketchum. "With a revolution under way in the energy sector, our global energy network is collaborating to bring added thinking and resources to our clients." Ketchum Energy is powered by more than 50 senior consultants across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, and is positioned to help modern energy enterprises of all sizes build their brands and businesses through innovation. "Success in the energy sector is so dependent on innovation," Thompson said, "that we've designed an Energy Innovation Storytelling methodology to guide clients in the process of differentiating themselves. Whether advancing technology, policy, alternative sources or a local initiative, organizations have the option to either lead or follow. We help develop leadership stories and drive them across the full spectrum of communication channels." Mono said, "There are unprecedented opportunities for energy companies to connect and develop their own media channels," noting that leading energy companies must advance their brands and business with creative communication strategies that match their product and policy solutions. "The business objective and value remains constant -- building and protecting credibility and driving growth -- but there are new ways to engage stakeholders, achieve those goals and measure the outcomes." Ketchum Energy is part of the agency's Global Corporate Practice and is closely aligned with Ketchum's public affairs, media and digital specialty units, providing clients with a full arsenal of communication solutions that include community and government relations, issues and crisis management, influencer and media relations, strategic planning, research, and online engagement. About Ketchum A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global communications consultancies and leads the industry in the U.K. and continental Europe as Ketchum Pleon. With five global practices - Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology - and specialty capabilities that include Access Communications (high- and consumer-tech PR), Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), MMG (clinical trial recruitment), Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports and Entertainment, and Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communication expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. In 2009, Advertising Age named Ketchum to its annual "Ones to Watch" Agency A-List, noting the agency's long-standing client partnerships, digital and disruptive media expertise, and CSR and sustainability programming. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit http://www.ketchum.com/. DATASOURCE: Ketchum CONTACT: Mike Banas, +1-312-228-6924, , or Alicia Stetzer, +1-646-935-3910, , both of Ketchum Web Site: http://www.ketchum.com/

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