LONDON--Ricoh has concluded its EMEA PR review, appointing Weber Shandwick to handle its PR across the region.

Weber Shandwick displaces incumbent Burson-Marsteller, which won the six-figure mandate two years ago.

Ricoh called the review as part of a plan to expand its corporate PR activity in Europe. The company is aiming to raise its profile among C-Suite and IT decision makers. Campaigns developed will be delivered locally in Ricoh’s European markets, with strategy and management provided from Weber Shandwick’s London office.

At the time of the pitch, a source familiar with the situation said that the review reflected an increasing boardroom focus on the power of PR. “There is an increased desire to do bigger, and more, corporate communication.”

“Throughout our agency review process, the Weber Shandwick team impressed us with their understanding of our business, their experience in creating sophisticated industry content and their contacts within the pan-European media," said Ricoh European PR manager Janice Gibson. "They have a terrific track record in raising the profile of technology companies and achieving real impact with influencers, and we believe they are the right partner to help take Ricoh forward in this next phase of our journey.”

The brief includes acting as Ricoh’s regional hub; driving pan-EMEA media relations; implementing a social media strategy and ongoing engagement programme, and building a library of thought-leadership content for Ricoh’s operating companies across Europe.

Ricoh specialises in digital offices solutions, including printing, copying and scanning equipment, and also makes cameras. The company’s key rivals include HP and Xerox.