WPP aligns IPAN with Hill & Knowlton

WPP has aligned its PR firm IPAN with its global communications consultancy Hill & Knowlton in India. Hill & Knowlton has taken over management responsibility of IPAN from JWT India effective July 1st 2009. Since both JWT and Hill & Knowlton are part of WPP, all existing management and staff at IPAN will continue in their present roles. The new entity will be rebranded IPAN Hill & Knowlton and will become a part of Hill & Knowlton’s Asia Pacific region. Radhika Shapoorjee, president, IPAN will report to Vivian Lines, president and COO, Hill & Knowlton Asia Pacific .

Commenting on the new development, Colvyn Harris, CEO, JWT India said, “In today’s complex business environment specialization will drive success in the market place. We believe that this management realignment for IPAN with Hill & Knowlton will enhance the value proposition for globalization of Public Relations in India and will strengthen our ability to build a bridge into the international PR arena for our clients in India.”

Lines said, “We have worked with IPAN as an associate for 20 years. Now we have the opportunity to fully integrate them into the Hill & Knowlton network and to grow inbound and outbound business together in what is one of the most vibrant business markets globally.”

Shapoorjee added, “Hill & Knowlton is one of the most well known and well established PR companies in the world. Its unrivalled expertise, extensive network and innovation in public relations best practice will ensure that standards are raised across India and that our clients and our people will benefit from world class advice, insights and services.”