Grzegorz Szczepanski, CEO, Hill + Knowlton Poland Begins ICCO Presidency

Grzegorz Szczepanski, CEO, Hill + Knowlton Poland began his Presidency by calling for PR to return to cherishing relationships at the opening of the ICCO Global Summit in Dubai.

Szczepanski will replace Nitin Mantri, Group CEO, AvianWE, as the ICCO President, a two-year term that will run to the Summit in 2024, when he will be succeeded by Heather Kernahan, CEO, Hotwire.

Szczepanski used his opening speech as President to focus on shifting the positioning of PR, to earn its place at the top table as a strategic C-suite function.

Grzegorz Szczepanski:

“I draw insight from my late mentor Harold Burson, who said ‘First they asked us how do I say it. Then they asked us what do I say. Now they ask us what do I do’ - I would extend that to add that now they ask who am I? It’s an honour to take the helm of ICCO and lead this dynamic global PR community. Over the next two years I want to focus on a return to creating, nurturing, and cherishing relationships between people and organisations. Demand for PR is high, our value is being increasingly recognised, we must seize this opportunity and ensure the PR function owns strategic relationships. I look forward to working with the ICCO board to continue delivering value for our members around the world and drive our shared industry priorities forward”.