LONDON — Technology giant Cisco has handed its UK account to FleishmanHillard after a competitive pitch, PRovoke Media has learned.

The IT, networking and cybersecurity firm consolidated its global PR business with FleishmanHillard in 2019, after working with agencies including Text100 (now Archetype), Golin and Brunswick.

Chime Tech, Harvard’s sister agency within Chime Group, continued to hold the UK public relations account until the end of 2021, after eight years on the business. Chime Tech declined to take part in the pitch but still works closely with Cisco as a marketing partner, which constitutes the majority of its work with the firm.

FleishmanHillard UK’s head of technology Claudia Bate told PRovoke Media: “Following a full RFP process late last year, we were absolutely delighted to be selected as Cisco’s agency of record in the UK. This is an exciting step for both of us as Cisco looks to ramp up its PR efforts in the region with a fresh data-led approach to integrated communications.”

She added: “FleishmanHillard will handle a number of workstreams covering strategic thought leadership and multi-channel campaigns to position Cisco at the heart of an inclusive, digital UK and Ireland. We are very much looking forward to kicking off our partnership with Cisco through 2022 and beyond.”

In May last year, Cisco changed its global communications leadership, promoting international communications leader Maria Poveromo to CCO.