Microsoft Australia appoints Herd MSL to its PR account

Microsoft Australia has appointed Herd MSL as its Australian PR agency partner following a competitive tender.
 
The PR and integrated communications agency will support Microsoft’s Australian business with strategic counsel, thought leadership, PR campaigns, and creative storytelling and will work across the breadth of Microsoft’s business, excluding gaming.
 
Ogilvy PR remains the agency of record for Microsoft’s gaming business, including Xbox, which was not part of the tender process.
  
Liz Greene, communications director, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, said of the appointment: “At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.
 
“As communicators, our role is to help people connect with our mission in a meaningful way and to help our customers understand the role that Microsoft and our products play in empowering every Australian to achieve more.
 
“Throughout the tender process the team at Herd MSL clearly demonstrated how they can deliver impactful communications and support us in bringing our mission to life. We can’t wait to get stuck in and do some great work together.
 
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Ogilvy PR for their partnership, creativity and support over the last two decades. We’ve worked with some extraordinary people throughout that time and created many memorable campaigns together, all of which contributed to strengthening our brand in the Australian market.”
 
Skye Lambley, Herd MSL CEO, said: “Being appointed by one of the world’s most purpose-driven brands was indeed a moment of great pride for Herd MSL. Our purpose as an agency is to create conversations that change Australia. We do that by partnering with ambitious clients who want to make a difference.
 
“We are excited to partner with Microsoft to help them achieve their communications objectives, support their business growth, and to help build and protect their already strong brand in the Australian market.”
 
Richard Brett, Ogilvy Health & Ogilvy PR Australia, CEO, said: “There’s so much to be proud of over the past 20 years and we’d like to thank Microsoft for its partnership and support. We’ve worked on many award-winning campaigns together, and many careers have been positively impacted by this relationship.
 
“After such a long collaboration, we recognised that it was time for new perspectives and as such, Ogilvy PR chose not to take part in the tender process. We wish Herd MSL well and look forward to continuing our Microsoft partnership with the gaming business.”