NEW YORK — Weber Shandwick is now the PR agency of record for Michelin North America  after a competitive review. , Weber Shandwick will be responsible for corporate and consumer PR across the US. Led by Paul Jensen, president of the corporate practice in North America at Weber Shandwick, the account will be run out of New York and draw on additional team members across the firm’s network, including its strong automotive team in Detroit. Ketchum was the incumbent agency.

BOSTON — Version 2.0 Communications has added Ciprun Global to its client roster. Ciprun Global,  the US subsidiary of China-based Ciprun Group, works with US companies that want to secure intellectual property (IP) protection in the Chinese market. Version 2.0 is charged with building Ciprun Global’s brand profile in the US, establishing executives’ thought leadership platforms and supporting business development and sales.

NEW YORK — Lou Hammond Group has added new clients for public relations, digital marketing and positioning. They are: Nexton - A 5,000-acre mixed-use community near Charleston, SC; Travel Marquette, which represents Marquette, Michigan on Lake Superior; Brookgreen Gardens, the South Carolina botanical gardens; and Sonoma County, which reupped with LHG after a competitive review.

LOS ANGELES — The Pollack PR Marketing Group has been selected by Frontline Wildfire Defense System to support its entry into the Southern California marketplace. Frontline Wildfire Defense System is a fire protection system that is architecturally incorporated into a home or business and when activated coats the structure and its surrounding landscape with Class A, biodegradable foam that effectively protects the structure from wildfire. The agency’s LAB186 digital marketing and content creation team will focus on upgrading the design and functionality of Frontline’s web presence.

SANTA ANA, CA — Powerhouse Communications has been hired by Olde Brea Chophouse to lead awareness efforts for its grand opening in downtown Brea, scheduled for Fall 2019. Powerhouse will provide media and influencer relations, strategic communications and social media services to support a successful introduction of Olde Brea Chophouse to Orange County residents.