Speed Communications gains DS Smith Euro brief

European packaging company DS Smith has appointed Speed Communications to deliver a pan-European PR programme.

Speed’s activities will support DS Smith’s overarching sales and marketing strategy and aim to unify messaging across key European markets.

The agency will deliver a multi-channel, European-focused, PR programme aimed at increasing brand awareness and demonstrating thought leadership. It will work in close collaboration with existing PR teams in each market and will develop content which can be used effectively.

Speed’s win arrives after four years as the retained PR agency for DS Smith’s UK packaging division.

Vanessa van Dongen, DS Smith’s European marketing & communication director of packaging, said: “We were really impressed by Speed’s passion towards, and knowledge of, our international business. This extension to their original brief is a huge compliment to the team and is in recognition of all they have achieved for us over the last four years in the UK.

“We know that we can trust them with our reputation and that they will work in close partnership with our colleagues in Europe to further reinforce the brand there.”

Kelly Pepworth, B2B managing partner at Speed Communications, said: “We are so thrilled that DS Smith has entrusted us with its European brief. This is a reflection of the strong working relationship we have established over the last few years, and the tangible results we have delivered for them. We are looking forward to supporting their European teams and creating an integrated approach, founded on real insight and intelligence, that really puts DS Smith on the map and helps them to enhance their reputation.”

DS Smith operates across 36 countries and employs more than 26,000 people.