LONDON — Zoho Corporation, which specialises in software as a service (SaaS) business applications, has appointed technology boutique Centropy PR as its UK agency, after a competitive pitch against several much bigger agencies.

The global tech firm was set up by “barefoot billionaire” Sridhar Vembu in India 24 years ago, and has more than 45 million users across 180 countries, competing with the likes of Salesforce. Its corporate customers include Apple, Netflix, HBO, Nike, Intel and Sony.

Zoho's UK account was previously held by Finn Partners, who took over from Hotwire in 2016; Centropy founder Steven George-Hilley was a board director at Hotwire when the agency worked with Zoho.

Centropy will lead Zoho’s UK communications programme, including design and execution of storytelling campaigns, executive thought leadership management and influencer relations. The agency will also secure speaking opportunities and consult on research projects as part of the retained agreement.

Zoho has launched a number of platforms to help companies operate during the Covid-19 outbrea, including remote working, productivity, collaboration and remote sales tools.

Julie Watson, Zoho Europe’s PR and communications director, said: “We were looking for an ambitious, proactive agency that could help take Zoho’s message to market and were really impressed by the Centropy team’s creativity, enthusiasm and extensive journalist links.

“The team demonstrated not only a passion for technology but a real understanding of our business. They’ve have hit the ground running, securing impressive coverage and media opportunities from the moment we started working together.”

George-Hilley added: “We’re really proud to be working with such an incredible technology company that is simultaneously setting the SaaS agenda and offering businesses much-needed support during this difficult time. It is also wonderful to be working with Julie once again. She knows exactly how to get the best out of her team and we’re very excited about what we can achieve over the coming months.”

Zoho joins other clients in Centropy’s technology practice, including Absolute Software, Centrify and TechUK. The agency, which was founded in 2017, now has a team of 10, working across financial services, fintech and technology clients.