26 January 2015
Dubai-based Shamal Marketing Communications co-founder of WorldWise PR Alliance welcomes Paris to new strategic network of top independent PR agencies

Dubai - A new strategic global alliance of independent public relations firms is taking shape, welcoming its 13th member, Paris-based Pascale Venot, to the network.

The original co-founders, Dubai-based Shamal Marketing Communications, New York agency HWPR, Kreps DeMaria PR & Marketing from Miami and London's JV Public Relations, recognised that Pascale Venot's profile was a perfect fit for the blossoming alliance and Paris a perfect location to extend its reach in Europe.

"Today, clients want their message to reach every corner of the globe," said Steven Jones, Managing Director at Shamal. "Pascale Venot is a valuable addition to the network. Although competition is ultra-fierce in the French capital, it is a location that many luxury brands would like to establish themselves. On the flip side Pascale's clients will automatically gain access to some of the biggest and most diverse markets round the world - it's a win-win situation which epitomises the collective strength of the alliance," he added.

WorldWise is unique in the way it has decided to develop its global business model. Some networks have been constructed by simply offering geographical territories, some have sold franchises, some chose to grow organically.

However, WorldWise decided to identify select independent agencies that were acknowledged leaders in their independent PR spheres. Those able to implement global strategies, in key international markets. Agencies complementing the luxury profile of the founder members, especially in hospitality, real estate, lifestyle and retail. 

In the five months since it was launched, WorldWise has grown from four firms to 13, with confirmed interest from a number of other key markets. The network now already includes independent public relations firms on three continents with affiliates located in Buenos Aires, Dubai, Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Mexico City, Milan, Miami, Munich, New York, Paris, São Paulo and Toronto.
 
"With savvy commercial partners combined with local knowledge and expertise, WorldWise members can leverage existing relationships with the media and other influencers to expand their clients' global footprint," stated Nathalie Visele, Director, Shamal Marketing Communications.

"We are also a support network with the aim of helping one another grow as individual businesses, to share market trends and best practice and assist with media leads and contacts, " she added.

With more than 15 years' experience, Venot specialises in luxury and consumer products ranging from tourism and automotive to beauty and design and has a roster of many prestigious French and international clients, including Gucci Parfums, D & G Parfums, Taittinger, Maserati and Mercedes-Benz.

"Joining a global network will provide our business with a tremendous boost to our clients' media exposure and global reach," said Pascale Venot, principal of Pascale Venot. "In order to remain competitive in the public relations field today, firms need to be able to offer global exposure. WorldWise PR Affiliates is a remarkable organisation and we are delighted to have been invited to join the alliance."
 
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About WorldWise PR Alliance
The WorldWise network of public relations agencies that are cultivating brands across cultures includes Kreps DeMaria (Miami), HWPR (New York), Shamal Marketing Communications (Dubai), JV Public Relations (London), Avalos Associates (Mexico City), MD Assessoria E Communicacao (São  Paulo), Inter-Corp (Delhi), Relazioni con la Stampa (Milan), Lueers/Partner PR (Munich), Personally PR (Buenos Aires), Pascale Venot (Paris), Tamara Moore (Toronto), IMC (Moscow) and Petrie PR (Hong Kong).

About Shamal Marketing Communications
Shamal Marketing Communications (SMC) is an independent public relations and marketing communications consultancy based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Established in 2004, SMC provides cost effective communications services enabling clients to heighten their visibility in the increasingly competitive marketplaces of the Middle East and Asia.

Professionals in perception management, SMC helps to build informed opinion among it clients' target audiences within some of the world's most dynamic business environments.

SMC is also a leader in sustainable communications, supporting a number of eco-friendly initiatives including the launch of the first 'carbon neutral' vehicle in the Middle East. Shamal also works closely with the international carbon offset organisation myclimate.org and with Green Globe Certification, the leading authority on sustainability in the travel and tourism industry. www.smc-pr.com

About HWPR
New York-based HWPR is a public relations and marketing communications agency specializing in the luxury market. The company creates innovative, high-profile campaigns for a wide range of clients, including real estate developers and global fashion and lifestyle brands. HWPR is supported by a team of professionals skilled at integrating all channels of communication to achieve impactful measurable results. www.HWPR.com

About KREPS DEMARIA PR & MARKETING
Celebrating more than 25 years, Miami-based Kreps DeMaria is led by Israel Kreps and Sissy DeMaria, and is comprised of former journalists, social media experts, and results-oriented professionals. The agency is regarded for outstanding service, a thorough understanding of its clients' businesses, excellent media contacts and creative approach. Kreps DeMaria specializes in real estate, hospitality, lifestyle, law, banking, luxury real estate, and crisis communications.  www.krepspr.com

About JV Public Relations
JV Public Relations is led by Jo Vickers, one of the leading figures in the world of exclusive travel and lifestyle PR. She has spent over 20 years building a network of opinion-formers and industry leaders, exercising relationships to affect influence.

Jo has earned an unparalleled reputation for her ability to bring the right people and brands together, and has been recognised by Fortune Magazine as one of the 'Top 50 Most Powerful Women'. Referred to in PR Week as "a communications expert possessing a true understanding of the high-end media marketplace", she is also a respected commentator on the industry, contributing to various television network programmes including CNBC Europe. www.jvpr.co.uk

Media contact
Nathalie Viselé
Director
Shamal Marketing Communications
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +9714 365 2711
Mobile: +971 50 345 7982
E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com 

© Press Release 2015