Guest blog post by Jamie McLaughlin, Managing Director of Capstone Hill Search

The view of Public Relations in Latin America is one of opportunity, but that it lacks the maturity or sophistication of markets such as the UK or US. This is true, but perceptions are changing and we are seeing more and more PR Agencies turn their attention to the region, largely through expansion or acquisition.

 

This year’s World Cup and the 2016 Olympics have attracted an abundance of investment to Brazil, making it a perfect destination for global brands. It is not only Brazil that is experiencing this rapid growth; many other countries in Latin America are also witnessing their economies accelerating at an enviable pace.  Consequently, consumers have a far greater spending power, this attracts global brands and with them a need for PR.

 

Well known PR and Communications firms such as Cohn & Wolfe, Weber Shandwick, Ogilvy PR have already moved into the region. With plans afoot for other agencies such as GolinHarris, that has now expanded its reach to 7 countries in Latin America, and Lewis PR to follow, the latter announced a global expansion plan that includes opening 10 new offices in key growth countries, Brazil and Mexico being of paramount importance.

 

The clients of these agencies will expect the same standard of work they have received in other markets, but also need local insight and networks – this makes for a highly skilled candidate pool and demand for top talent has never been greater.

Latin America is an exciting territory for PR Agencies, but they must hire carefully to ensure their blue-chip clients are kept serviced to the levels they expect.