PRHK Announces 2020/21 Board and Strategic Direction
Board commits to supporting next generation PR talent
PRHK, the modern and forward-looking industry organisation for PR and communications professionals in Hong Kong has appointed its new board for 2020/21. The new PRHK board is tasked with steering the organisation on its fresh course in a challenging year for the industry.
“Over the past six months, societies and businesses around the world have faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hong Kong has been no exception. Decisive, yet empathetic communication has become even more important, as leaders and the institutions they represent – from government to schools and business – grapple with the significant changes the virus has wreaked on our lives and work,” said Rachel Catanach, the newly appointed Chairperson of PRHK, a role she previously held from 2013-2015.
“Given current conditions, the imperative for PRHK to represent, champion, promote and grow the public relations and communications industry in Hong Kong has never been greater. We are doubling down on our support of members and the wider PR community through these extraordinary times, helping them demonstrate the considerable value public relations can provide and identify new avenues to innovate.
“We also recognise that training is often the casualty of a tough economy, so are committed to providing additional development opportunities for young professionals in our member firms and tangible encouragement to the next generation of PR leaders,” said Ms. Catanach.
Engaging the next generation of talent has always been high on the PRHK agenda and will continue to be supported with programmes including the Hong Kong Young PR Lions competition, the PRHK Mentorship Programme and through university outreach. With the increasing range of skill sets, a more diverse talent pool and a broader, integrated approach to communications marketing encompassed by the PR industry today, the board will also be working towards collaborating across a wider spectrum to foster new talent over the coming year.
PRHK’s series of learning, partnership and networking events aims to develop the sector’s skills and knowledge while creating opportunities for professionals to discuss current issues and trends, with bookings online via the organisation’s website.
To unite the profession and foster inclusive industry participation, PRHK’s membership categories invite corporates, individual professionals, students and affiliates to join the organisation alongside the existing membership portfolio of local, regional and global PR agencies.
“We will also be looking at ways we can extend the influence and reach of PRHK in the Greater Bay Area through collaboration and partnerships with the PR and business communities there. This area, with its population base of 70 million people and GDP of USD1.5 trillion, represents significant opportunity for Hong Kong, including the PR industry. A key focus, therefore, for the PRHK board, will be to work with our members to forge new connections and navigate the different business operating environment,” said Ms. Catanach. “While we remain extremely positive about Hong Kong’s resurgence post-COVID, we want to enable existing members to tap into potential new growth avenues and encourage new members based in the Greater Bay Area to join us or connect.”
“Recognising the current challenges, we are offering all new members a special rate to join PRHK and take advantage of the many programmes and events that the PRHK will offer in 2020/21,” said Ms. Catanach.
This year’s board includes two newcomers – Ben Evetts, an independent consultant, and Carbo Yu, Regional Director at Sinclair. The fresh outlook of these new board members complements the continuity provided through the re-appointment of five members of last year’s board.
The new board of PRHK came into effect in July 2020 with the following appointments:
- Chairperson: Rachel Catanach, FleishmanHillard
- Deputy Chairperson: Annouchka Behrmann, Edelman
- Treasurer: David Croasdale, Newell
- Honorary Secretary: Simeon Mellalieu, Ketchum
- Membership: Felix Poon, Vis Communications
- Partnerships: Kiri Sinclair, Sinclair
- Digital & Marketing Co-Chair: Ben Evetts, Independent, Carbo Yu, Sinclair
- Education & Mentorship Programme Chair: Maria Cheong, Burson Cohn & Wolfe
About PRHK
PRHK is a modern and forward-looking industry organisation for PR and communications professionals in Hong Kong. It represents, champions, promotes and supports the Hong Kong public relations and communications industry, its professionals, its affiliates, its academic institutions and their students. PRHK is a forum for discussion, learning and networking; an advocate for the industry and monitor of best practices within it; an interface between industry, academia, the business community, government and affiliated media and marketing sectors; and a point of entry for overseas companies, individuals and associations into Hong Kong’s PR scene. Established as the Council of Public Relations Firms of Hong Kong (CPRFHK) in 2001, the organisation was rebranded to PRHK in 2018. Visit www.prhongkong.org or follow on Facebook and LinkedIn at @PRhongkong.
Media Contacts
Rachel Catanach – Chairperson |rachel.catanach@fleishman.com
Carbo Yu – Digital & Marketing Co-Chair | carbo@sinclaircomms.com
Ben Evetts – Digital & Marketing Co-Chair |ben.evetts@gmail.com