Buddy Media names Rice Communications as PR partner

Saying that social media market in Asia is key to Buddy Media’s growth plans, Joe Ciarallo, vice president for communications of Buddy Media, added that it sees a strong demand for strategic initiatives among brands as they engage with their customers through social networks.

“Rice’s wealth of experience in digital media makes it a strategic partner to support Buddy Media’s outreach in the region,” he said.

Buddy Media opened an Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore last year. Ken Mandel, formerly regional vice president and managing director of the Southeast Asia division at Yahoo, joined Buddy Media as its managing director. The agency has offices in London, San Francisco and Singapore, with clients such as Citibank, IBM and Volvo.

Sonya Madeira, managing partner at Rice Communications, noted that social engagement is considered a critical cornerstone in customer engagement, while brands and agency partners need to manage multiple touch points seamlessly

“We are excited about contributing to build Buddy Media’s brand equity and presence in the region. As digital marketing continues to pick up pace, this partnership bolsters Rice’s growing digital media practice and client portfolio,” she added.