P.R. & COMMUNICATIONS

Banking giant FNB appoints Razor as its new public relations agency

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Partnership marks a strategic communications shift for the bank, as brands can no longer ‘just broadcast and hope to make an impact’.

Following a competitive pitch process, South African-based FNB bank has appointed Razor PR as its agency partner for communications and reputation management. 

 

This is a multi-year partnership and marks a strategic shift in the bank’s approach to PR and communications, the two parties say. 

Photo: FNB

Razor is the strategic communications, reputation and public relations agency of the M&C Saatchi Group South Africa. FNB is one of the country’s traditional ‘big four’ banks and offers personal, private, business, commercial and corporate banking services. Its history dates back to the formation of the Eastern Province Bank in 1838. 

 

According to a joint statement, Razor will support FNB in the development and execution of its earned corporate and brand narratives – including integrated earned-media campaigns, stakeholder engagement and reputation strategy across its complete retail and commercial operations. 

 

We can no longer ‘just broadcast’ 

 

“In a world where consumers face thousands of messages daily, we can no longer just broadcast and hope to make an impact,” says Jacqui O’Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Executive at the bank. 

 

“This change is about radical simplicity and clarity, two fundamental points of culture alignment between Razor and FNB. Razor was chosen for its proven ability to deliver high-impact storytelling and measurable business value.” 

 

O’Sullivan adds: “We felt that its fresh energy, new approach to reputation management and strong creative capability would create the right blend of skills for what it is we are doing as a broader communications team in the bank.”  

 

Razor’s client base includes mining company Anglo American, Dimension Data, Discovery Channel and FMCG specialist Tiger Brands. 

 

Says the agency’s CEO, Dustin Chick: “Building trust is critical in today’s fractured, high-risk world, especially for an institution like FNB that plays a vital role in society. We are thrilled to partner with FNB in its brand and reputation journey.” 

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Jason Lottering
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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.