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We fix your image The FedEx pilots' strike, London Fashion Week, and Levi's semester online are just a few examples of the wide range of work Ketchum does for big-name clients. Founded in 1923, Ketchum provides public relations to an all-star clientele. The company was known as Ketchum Communications until 1996, when the New York-based advertising conglomerate Omnicom Group acquired it. Ketchum now ranks as the sixth-largest PR firm in the world. A worldwide presence A $ 2.26 billion international behemoth, the umbrella company Omnicom snagged Ketchum for its valuable "brand name" in the public relations industry. Though public relations was the original focus of Ketchum, the company had been starving its thriving PR business to pump dollars into flailing advertising operations. Since the company's acquisition, however, Ketchum's public relations have been on the move again. The firm's Pittsburgh office has blossomed under the new ownership, reporting a 30 percent rise in annual billings, and the London operation was boosted with the successful integration of consumer powerhouse Life PR. Furthermore, Ketchum's Texas arm expanded quickly. But the picture was not as sunny in California, where the firm's Los Angeles and San Francisco offices struggled in the mid-1990s. Aiming to revive its presence in Silicon Valley, Ketchum bought Thomas Associates in October 1997, the eighth-largest PR shop in the valley, and acquired high-tech PR firm Crescent Communications of Atlanta, one of the leading tech PR firms in the Southeast. Early in 1999, Ketchum also acquired Sheppard Associates to form a workplace communications practice area. Recent international acquisitions have Ketchum's billings climbing overseas, with new offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. However, the 75-year-old Ketchum Advertising no longer exists. It had to give up the name, which Omnicom owns, when Earle Palmer Brown Companies bought the agency in August 1999. The payoff Ketchum's efforts have garnered significant gains. The Los Angeles office is within the city's top 10 and rakes in $5.5 million a year. In addition, the San Francisco, and Silicon Valley offices have landed some high-profile clients with big bucks. The recent success of the agency has not gone unnoticed; in 1998-1999, Inside PR Magazine named Ketchum "Agency of the Year" for the third time this decade. Ketchum has also won 54 PRSA Silver Anvils, the most of any agency in history. Not an organization to rest upon its laurels, the agency launched eKetchum in March of 1999. The subsidiary, true to its name, deals in new media PR solutions for various companies. Additionally, in March 2000, the company formed an entertainment marketing division. In mid-2000, Raymond L. Kotcher replaced David R. Drobis as Ketchum's CEO.
Ketchum looks for "the best and brightest" in the PR biz. The company's "Opportunities" section is located at http://www.ketchum.com/flash/employment/index.shtml, and lists internship information and e-mail contact info for the agency's U.S. offices.
Room to grow at Ketchum Though Ketchum's culture is as diverse as its many locations, most employees praise the firm's blend of challenging work, talented employees, and unique opportunities. "Ketchum is a great place to work, with exceptional talent, great opportunities, a competitive environment, and a global reach," one says. Another reports, "Ketchum is very energetic, high-paced, and fun. The work is great, it's really challenging, and I learn something new everyday." "Ketchum offers great experience, and great name recognition for future opportunities. And, Ketchum has offices in every major city in the world, so there's lots of room for moving around and experiencing new things," another notes. In a female-friendly industry, employees say Ketchum is no exception. "Women are the majority -- it's fun," one notes. In fact, women serve as Partners/Directors of many of the firm's offices. Employees also note that "minorities are treated just like everyone else," and that "Ketchum is into nurturing strengths and working on the weaknesses of all employees." Top training Though specific requirements vary by location, an employee in the San Francisco office reports that "dress code is whatever you want pretty much." Perks include a competitive benefits package and a generous 401(k)plan. The firm also offers excellent training programs, including the top-rated Camp Ketchum and Ketchum College, programs known in the industry for excellence in continuing professional development.
Human Resources
Edelman Worldwide;Publicus More Company Profiles For more career information, go to Vault.com ©2000, Vault.com Inc
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