ICCO is pleased to announce that it has launched an international think tank to address the future of global PR and communications consultancies.

The new initiative, chaired by Stephen Waddington, Partner and Chief Engagement Officer, Ketchum, will identify the issues of most concern and interest identified by ICCO’s members. ICCO’s membership covers 48 countries and over 2,500 agencies, making this think tank truly worldwide.

The think tank will now lie at the heart of ICCO’s work and will produce thought-leadership articles as well as best practice guides. The content will be produced by a range of associations and by ICCO’s direct agency members. All articles and pieces of guidance will be available in a free-to-view online format, thus benefiting practitioners at all levels and in every country.

Stephen Waddington, Partner and Chief Engagement Officer, Ketchum, and Visiting Professor, Newcastle University, said: “The geopolitical situation and fractured public discourse in many areas of the world underlines how the strategic role of public relations is more critical than ever to government and organisations. Our business is changing and growing at an unprecedented rate thanks to new forms of public engagement. This truly international initiative will use modern public relations techniques to engage ICCO members and signpost the future of the public relations business, and the excellence that it delivers.”

Francis Ingham, Chief Executive, ICCO, Director General, PRCA, said: “Ensuring that all PR and communications practitioners have access to clear guidance and innovative thought-leadership articles lies as the core of ICCO’s existence. The new think tank will draw upon knowledge from some of the most influential professionals around the globe, all for the benefit our industry.”

About ICCO
The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) is the voice of public relations consultancies around the world. The ICCO membership comprises national trade associations in 48 countries across the globe in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East. the Americas and Australia. Collectively, these associations represent some 2,500 PR firms.
www.iccopr.com