Bell Pottinger collapses as questionable tactics in S Africa come to light
Industry voices concern over companies who engage in 'reputation laundering'
New York
WHEN South African track star Oscar Pistorius stood trial for the brutal killing of his girlfriend, he hired Bell Pottinger, an aggressive British public relations firm, to try to smooth his tattered reputation. President Bashar Assad of Syria and his wife turned to the firm for help in recasting their image. So did Alexander G Lukashenko, the former dictator of Belarus.
In the fraught world of image makeovers, Bell Pottinger stood out for venturing where others feared to go. It courted embattled governments, controversial clients and powerful people who ran afoul of public opinion. Along the way, it reaped hefty fees and became one of Britain's most influential public relations firms.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Consumer & Healthcare
Jim Beam owner bets on canned vodka cocktails to double revenue
Cutting the cord?: Events leading up to Cordlife’s MOH suspension and arrests of its directors, ex-group CEO
Olam outbids Dreyfus’ sweetened deal for Australia’s Namoi, raises offer to A$0.66 per share
Cordlife served letter of demand, notice of claim from customers
IndoAgri appoints former EDB chairman Philip Yeo as chairman and lead independent director
GSK profit drops 23% in Q1 on higher costs