GSK begins global PR review

The company sent out an RFP (request-for-proposal) a couple of weeks ago with the aim of re-aligning its PR roster, according to sources.

At present, several PR shops sit on GSK’s roster, including Burson-Marsteller, GolinHarris and Grey’s PR arm.

“It is a part of our regular review, which includes PR agencies,” a spokesperson for GSK told Campaign Asia-Pacific. “We do make adjustments now and then but nothing has been confirmed.”

The review follows the completion of a pitch for GSK’s global media planning and buying account. In September 2013, GSK consolidated its $1 billion global media business at GroupM and Omnicom Media Group. Dentsu retained its media buying in Japan.

The move ended GSK’s relationship with Publicis Groupe’s Starcom and Dentsu’s Carat.

In October 2013, the pharma giant, which reportedly works with more than 100 agencies on its digital account, launched a global digital pitch, intent on streamlining the business.  The company invited both roster and non-roster agencies.