Introduction
In the world of Public Relations (PR), the agencies that lead the industry wield tremendous influence over how brands, organizations, and governments are perceived. PR firms have evolved far beyond their traditional roles of managing media relations and crisis communications; today, they are vital players in shaping corporate strategy, brand identity, and public opinion.
Table of Contents
The biggest PR firms in the world are renowned for their global reach, deep expertise, and the ability to handle multifaceted communications strategies for a vast array of clients. Whether it’s through social media management, reputation management, or crisis communications, these firms have become integral to shaping the narratives around leading companies, political figures, and even entire industries. But which firms stand out in this competitive field?
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the biggest PR firms in the world, exploring their size, scope, and influence within the PR industry, and why they’ve achieved global prominence.
1. Edelman
Founded in 1952 by Daniel Edelman, Edelman has grown to become the largest independent public relations firm globally. With offices in over 60 countries and a workforce of more than 6,000 professionals, Edelman serves a wide array of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies and non-profit organizations.
Edelman’s reputation is built on its strong focus on building trust between brands and their audiences. The company frequently publishes its “Edelman Trust Barometer,” an annual study that measures global trust in businesses, governments, and media. This deep commitment to understanding trust has shaped its strategic approach, focusing on integrating communications, marketing, and digital strategies to deliver value for clients.
Edelman’s impressive client list includes some of the world’s largest companies, including Microsoft, Unilever, and Coca-Cola. The agency has also earned high marks for its work in digital communications and crisis management, making it a go-to firm for companies navigating complex PR challenges.
2. Weber Shandwick
Another PR powerhouse, Weber Shandwick, was founded in 2001 as a merger between Shandwick International and Weber Group. Today, Weber Shandwick is one of the top PR firms globally, with a network of offices spanning over 80 countries and employing more than 4,000 professionals. The firm has built a reputation for blending traditional PR with digital, social, and creative communications strategies.
Weber Shandwick is known for its innovative approach to PR, with campaigns that go beyond media relations to integrate advertising, social media, and content marketing into comprehensive communications strategies. The firm has worked with a range of high-profile clients, including General Motors, PepsiCo, and Marriott International.
One of Weber Shandwick’s defining strengths is its ability to leverage technology to enhance its PR strategies. By using data-driven insights and cutting-edge technologies, the firm helps clients engage with their target audiences in meaningful ways. This data-centric approach has helped Weber Shandwick maintain its place as a leader in the PR industry, particularly in the realm of digital communications.
3. Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW)
Burson Cohn & Wolfe, or BCW, was formed in 2018 after the merger of Burson-Marsteller and Cohn & Wolfe. The company is one of the largest global public relations and communications firms, with offices in more than 40 countries. With a workforce of over 4,000 employees, BCW offers a wide range of PR services, including crisis management, media relations, corporate reputation management, and public affairs.
BCW has a long history in the PR industry and has built a reputation for its ability to provide strategic counsel to top brands, governments, and non-profit organizations. The agency has worked with major clients such as Facebook, Pfizer, and Samsung. Its expertise in managing complex, global communications challenges has earned it recognition as one of the leading PR firms worldwide.
The firm is particularly known for its expertise in corporate reputation management, where it has helped brands navigate challenging public relations crises. BCW has developed a reputation for being agile and adaptable, enabling it to help clients effectively respond to shifting public sentiments and rapidly evolving media landscapes.
4. FleishmanHillard
With offices in over 30 countries, FleishmanHillard has established itself as one of the top PR firms globally. The agency, founded in 1946, is known for its deep expertise in corporate communications, public affairs, and digital strategy. FleishmanHillard works with some of the world’s leading brands, including PepsiCo, P&G, and Mastercard, providing them with strategic PR counsel across a range of industries.
FleishmanHillard has earned a reputation for its data-driven approach to PR, utilizing analytics and insights to craft tailored communications strategies that resonate with target audiences. The firm is also a leader in content creation, helping clients craft compelling stories that engage their customers and stakeholders.
The agency’s success lies in its ability to connect brands with their audiences in authentic and meaningful ways. Whether through traditional media relations or digital content campaigns, FleishmanHillard helps brands strengthen their reputations and build long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders.
5. Ketchum
Founded in 1923, Ketchum is one of the oldest PR firms in the world, but it has continually adapted to the changing PR landscape. Headquartered in New York City, Ketchum operates in over 70 countries and serves a broad spectrum of industries, including consumer products, technology, healthcare, and finance. With a workforce of over 2,500 professionals, Ketchum has become known for its innovative PR strategies and creative solutions to complex communications challenges.
Ketchum’s approach to PR is centered on the idea of “stories with purpose.” The firm helps brands tell stories that align with their values and resonate with their target audiences. This focus on purpose-driven communications has helped Ketchum build a reputation for delivering high-impact campaigns that create lasting emotional connections with consumers.
One of Ketchum’s most notable strengths is its ability to blend creativity with data-driven insights. The agency leverages research and analytics to shape its PR strategies, ensuring that each campaign is based on a deep understanding of consumer behavior and media trends.
6. Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) is a global public relations and communications consulting firm with offices in over 40 countries. Founded in 1927, H+K has a rich history in the PR industry and has built a strong reputation for its work in public affairs, crisis communications, and corporate reputation management. The firm works with a range of clients, from multinational corporations to government entities and nonprofit organizations.
One of Hill+Knowlton’s most notable attributes is its ability to navigate the intersection of public relations and public policy. The firm specializes in providing strategic communications counsel to clients involved in complex regulatory and policy issues. This focus on public affairs has made H+K a trusted advisor to governments, trade associations, and large corporations facing regulatory scrutiny or public controversy.
H+K is also known for its global reach and its ability to manage communications challenges on a global scale. The firm has extensive experience working across borders, helping clients navigate cultural and geopolitical nuances to deliver effective PR strategies.
7. MSL
MSL, a subsidiary of Publicis Groupe, is one of the largest global PR firms, with a presence in more than 30 countries. The firm specializes in corporate communications, brand strategy, and digital marketing, and it has worked with major clients like Nestlé, Merck, and Samsung. MSL’s expertise in social media and digital communications has helped it build a reputation as one of the most innovative PR firms in the world.
MSL stands out for its ability to deliver integrated communications solutions that combine traditional media relations with digital marketing strategies. The firm uses its deep understanding of consumer behavior and media trends to craft campaigns that drive brand awareness and customer loyalty.
MSL’s work spans a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consumer goods, and the firm is recognized for its ability to develop creative, data-driven campaigns that deliver measurable results.
8. APCO Worldwide
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO Worldwide is a leading global PR and communications firm with a focus on public affairs, corporate communications, and crisis management. Founded in 1984, APCO has grown to become one of the largest firms in the industry, with offices in over 30 countries and a staff of over 1,000 professionals.
APCO is known for its deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, making it a go-to firm for clients in heavily regulated industries such as healthcare, energy, and finance. The firm specializes in helping clients manage their reputations, build relationships with policymakers, and influence public policy decisions.
In addition to its public affairs expertise, APCO is also known for its work in crisis communications, where it has helped clients manage high-profile issues ranging from corporate scandals to environmental disasters. The firm’s global network and experience in managing cross-border communications challenges make it a trusted advisor for clients facing complex PR situations.
Conclusion
The biggest PR firms in the world have established themselves as leaders in the communications industry by adapting to changing market conditions and delivering results-driven strategies for clients across industries. These firms have proven their ability to handle complex, multi-faceted communications challenges, whether in crisis management, digital communications, or reputation management.
As brands face an increasingly complex media landscape, these PR powerhouses remain at the forefront of shaping public opinion, managing corporate reputations, and helping clients engage with their audiences in meaningful ways. Whether they’re tackling a global PR crisis, managing public policy issues, or driving innovative digital campaigns, the biggest PR firms continue to be the go-to choice for organizations looking to manage their public image in an ever-evolving world.
