JEDDAH – Prince Abdulaziz Turki Al Faisal is the new sponsor for Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), one of the world's leading communications consultancies, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The prince is sponsoring H+K through his marketing, communications and sports sponsorship company, ATF Strategies. Commenting on the move, Prince Abdulaziz Turki Al Faisal said: “We're living in an age where it is ever more important for companies, brands, governments and individuals to build, manage and protect their reputations.” “This partnership between ATF Strategies and Hill+Knowlton Strategies gives clients in the Kingdom access to world class communications consultancy backed by unrivalled local insight and cultural understanding.” In September 2013, H+K announced the appointment of Ibrahim Al Bloushy as General Manager of its operations in Saudi Arabia. Al Bloushy, who is one of the most experienced communications professionals in the Kingdom, has also been appointed managing director of ATF Strategies. He said: “This is an important landmark in the development of reputation management in the Kingdom. Today, everyone is connected online or via mobile and has the ability to make or break a brand with a Tweet or YouTube post.” Al Bloushy added: “Being connected also provides new opportunities for dialogue, especially with Saudi youth, and we have the team and the know-how to help Saudi brands and organizations manage their communications and build, manage and maintain their reputations.” Through its team of consultants in Riyadh and Jeddah, the new partnership counts international brands such as Yahoo!, Adidas, Porsche, Injaz and Nikon among its clients, as well as Saudi clients like SEDCO Capital, Prince Sultan Cultural Centre, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Colleges of Excellence. Khamis Al Muqla, founder and chairman of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Middle East, said: “During our 28 years of operation in the Middle East, H+K has established itself as a leading network agency with more than 130 consultants in eight offices across the region”. “As Saudi Arabia falls increasingly in the international spotlight, and the youth of the most populous country in the region become more vocal in expressing their opinions, it was critical for us to take the lead in demonstrating real local insight and understanding in the Kingdom. “I am proud that His Royal Highness has placed his trust in Hill+Knowlton Strategies by agreeing to be our sponsor and partner in the Kingdom, and I am confident that under the leadership of Ibrahim Al Bloushy we will become the communications partner of choice.” H+K's communications philosophy is based on the concept of the ‘Fifth Seat', a place at the boardroom table where the value of reputation has a real impact on a company's bottom line. Sconaid McGeachin, president and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Middle East, Africa and Turkey, said: “We're in the business of reputation management and, at a time when reputation can be more fragile than ever before, its value to a company, brand, government, organization or individual deserves to be represented at the highest level”. “The evolution of the communications profession is a critical tool to shape perceptions of the region and our association with ATF Strategies is an important step in achieving that goal. “By understanding a client's business and the sentiment of its audiences, we develop creative, innovative ideas that translate into effective campaigns to create dialogue, deepen understanding and win trust.” — SG
