Golin

Golin made PR history in 2024, becoming the first agency ever to win a Grand Prix in the PR Lions category at Cannes for its ‘Misheard Version’ campaign with Specsavers, developed by its team in London. This ground-breaking achievement, alongside a second Grand Prix in the audio and radio category, a gold, and three silver awards, was the culmination of a three-year transformation to reposition Golin as the most advanced and creative PR agency in the industry, and its momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Frustrated with PR being treated as an afterthought in inter-agency discussions, under the leadership of Ondine Whittington, Golin set out to prove that earned media deserved a seat at the top table, bringing together the power of big-network tools, data, and technology with deep cultural insight and audience understanding.

This ambition paid off commercially, with 2024 marking Golin’s most successful year yet. London was the fastest-growing office in the agency’s global network, contributing to Golin’s position as the best-performing PR agency within IPG. The agency achieved double-digit revenue growth for the second consecutive year – a particularly impressive achievement for a networked agency in a tough environment. Its 76% pitch success rate saw Golin secure major new clients, and organic growth was exceptional, with the agency's top five clients growing by 42% and its £1m+ accounts almost doubling to nine in just two years. Its portfolio now includes ASICS, Specsavers, Unilever, GSMA, Premier Inn, Simply Business, Verizon, Texas Instruments, Celebrity Cruises and Nurofen, as well as several blue chip pharma companies.

Creativity and innovation have been at the heart of Golin’s reinvention. The agency has embedded AI into its operations, with a chief AI officer and task force revolutionising the way it reports, analyses media, and develops intelligence for clients. Its TAIlored Intelligence system has redefined how earned-first agencies use data, enabling deep audience insights that have impressed clients such as Unilever. This blend of analytical rigour and creative excellence has given Golin a competitive edge, positioning it as the go-to agency for brands seeking breakthrough work.

Golin’s success is also rooted in its commitment to culture and inclusivity. The agency invested heavily in DEI: a new research programme, with employee surveys and external focus groups, led to new initiatives such as leadership training with Unmistakables, an inclusion framework co-created with employees, and recruitment partnerships with Braver and YGP. Golin also launched Self ID, its most comprehensive diversity data collection programme to date. According to the latest staff survey, 93% of employees believe leadership is committed to their well-being and 94% recommending the agency.—MPS