From international activations to exciting expansions, some of the PR industry's newcomers are quickly climbing the ranks. These five agencies have only been around for five years or fewer and are already working with top names on innovative projects. We're talking high-end spirits, global fashion brands, hospitality heavyweights and more. Here's who we're keeping an eye on, plus what they've been up to of late.
The 5th Column
Founded by longtime PR pro Akbar Hamid, The 5th Column continues to grow as the agency gears up to celebrate its five-year anniversary in 2020. This year saw the launch of their corporate communications division as well as a new beauty practice. Plus, they're going bicoastal, with an LA office in the works (they already have a satellite office in Miami).
Recent client wins:
Publicis Sapient
Champagne Bollinger
Zunte Mezcal
Don Papa Rum
The Dalmore
Shackleton Whisky
Jura
Glowtopia
HAOMA
Van Cleef & Arpels
Company highlights:
The 5th Column moved to its new HQ in Dumbo, Brooklyn, setting up in a large industrial office space. They also welcomed Kristin Kelly as Vice President of the fashion & beauty division. The creative communications agency opened a satellite office in Miami this year and plans to formally expand to Los Angeles in 2020.
One of the most talked about campaigns The 5th Column executed this year was the launch of a unique collaboration between The Dalmore whisky and the World’s Best Chef, Massimo Bottura: The Dalmore L’Anima Aged 49 Years. The one-time-only bottling was auctioned at Sotheby’s in Spring 2019 and sold for $141,688 with proceeds benefiting Bottura’s charity,
Food For Soul. To celebrate this partnership, The Dalmore’s Master Distiller Richard Paterson & Massimo Bottura hosted a 30-person dinner attended by high profile media and influencers.
Wickerwood & CoCo-founders Shirley Leigh-Wood Oakes and Gabby Wickham celebrated the London-based agency's fifth birthday this past May. The company was founded with just £1000, and from day one the founders have focused on building a strong, sustainable and effective agency. Today, the team continues to grow and execute campaigns to the highest standard, maximizing brand awareness and delivering carefully curated brand influence campaigns.
Pirelli Calendar
Recent client wins:
Arabica Coffee
Pirelli Calendar
Ivy Asia
Core Collective
Gentleman’s Journal
Meda Human
Adam Grooming
Villa Ascenti
Casamigos Tequila
Company highlights:
Over the last year, the agency's focus has been on building a strong internal company structure, enhancing the agency’s pool of talent and implementing further processes to support the growth of WickerWood’s clients, many who have been with the agency from infancy and grown side by side. Their client list has expanded to include additional international brands as well as further new areas of focus and services for clients.
Articulate ProductionsFormerly the president of Mission, Moira Breslin launched Articulate Productions in 2015. The company has offices in both NYC and London, and represents some of the world's leading and most renowned spirits brands including Perrier-Jouët Champagne, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Sipsmith London Dry Gin, Shiner Beer and more.
Bushmills x Saint Vitus
Recent client wins:
Gran Centenario Tequila
Campo Viejo Wines
Company highlights:
Within the first year of its inception, the team at Articulate Productions won accounts from Proximo Spirits and Pernod Ricard. In the last three years, they have continued to win additional accounts from these companies, as well as new clients at Beam Suntory and The Gambrinus Company. Building on the success of Articulate Productions, they have started to develop their own IP under Articulate Ventures, including LEAF (a Contemporary Flower Show) and a New York Whiskey Festival.
Lion & Lamb Communications
Co-founders Rachel Harrison and Melanie Weitzner launched Lion & Lamb in 2014. The boutique communications agency is focused on the travel, hospitality and lifestyle industries, with clients around the world.
Pelican Hill Resort, Newport Beach
Recent client wins:
Pelican Hill Resort, Newport Beach
Copalli Rum
Le Pain Quotidien
Dream Hotels
La Botessa Cape Town
Hamilton Hotel D.C.
Industry accolades:
Lion & Lamb Communications was named on the Observer's list of the Most Powerful Restaurant PR Firms in 2018. The company recently opened satellite offices in London, Chicago, Los Angeles and Newport Beach, CA. They're representing clients globally, including Italy, London, South Africa, Seattle, Los Angeles and more.
Carfrae Consulting
Malcolm Carfrae’s global branding and communications firm has seen much success in just over three years. He credits much of Carfrae Consulting's success to his former posts helming global communications at Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, mainly those decades-long international relationships that catapult his curated roster to global recognition.
RH NYC
Recent client wins:
RH
Daily Harvest
Farmacy Kitchen
Lacoste
Company highlights:
This summer, the agency helped ZIMMERMANN fete the opening of a boutique in Capri. Nicky and Simone Zimmermann invited VIP guests to a two-day celebration, starting with an intimate dinner by the sea at Il Riccio, followed by a scenic lunch and all-day party at Villa Bismarck on the following day.
