HPB shifts PR account

The Health Promotion Board has appointed GolinHarris as its new public relations agency in its latest review. The appointment would be for health promotion programmes and initiatives under Health Promotion Board.The incumbent agency for the PR account was Waggener Edstrom Worldwide Singapore who held the account for three years. Marketing understands that Waggener Edstrom did not defend the account."The Waggener Edstrom-Health Promotion Board (HPB) journey has been an incredible one and we've loved every moment of working with HPB on important health issues," Carolyn Camoens, Vice President, Waggener Edstrom Singapore told Marketing.After three years, she added the agency felt that it was time to step aside and give another "agency a chance to put their spin on this important remit."Other agencies vying for the account included CMG Group, Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, Grayling Asia, Ogilvy & Mather, PR Communications."We at GolinHarris are thrilled to have been awarded the prestigious Health Promotion Board public relations tender for Singapore and very much look forward to partnering with them to achieve their vision of a healthier nation. This strategic win bolsters our healthcare credentials firmly establishing us as leaders in integrated healthcare communications in Singapore," Rachel Norager, executive director, Healthcare Practice, GolinHarris, said.This comes shortly after the board also called for a media and creative pitch. Its incumbent agencies for those businesses are DDB and Ogilvy on its creatives and OMD on media. A decision has not been made yet.The account is reviewed on a yearly basis.