PRGN Elects Frédéric François as President and Announces New Leadership Team

(PHOENIX – Oct. 15, 2025) — The Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), one of the world’s largest groups of independent public relations agencies, will welcome a new leadership team at its upcoming member meeting and conference in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 22-24, 2025. Frédéric François, Managing Partner of two cents in Belgium and the Netherlands, has been elected President, succeeding Natacha Clarac of Athenora Consulting in Brussels, who will remain on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President.

The new leadership comes into office  as the public relations industry continues to face rapid shifts in digital tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and the way people trust media. PRGN’s board of directors will guide more than 900 professionals in over 60 locations as they help clients adapt to these changes. François will serve as President from October 24, 2025 through December 2026. Bill Southard, President and CEO of Southard Communications in New York City, will be President-Elect. Macey Cleary Binner, Partner at REED Public Relations in Nashville, Tennessee, will serve as Secretary. Brad Kostka, President of Roopco in Cleveland, Ohio, will continue as Treasurer for a second term.

“The way we communicate is changing faster than ever. For PRGN, this is both a chance and a risk: AI is changing how we create, measure, and deliver PR — it makes us more efficient, but it also threatens agencies that do not adapt. Fake news hurts trust in media, institutions, and brands, and AI is making this more challenging. Going digital is now a must for agencies that want to serve clients well and show their value. As president, I will make sure PRGN not only keeps up with these changes but leads as the top independent network,” François said.

The new executive team shows PRGN’s global reach and focus on local know-how. The global leadership team also includes the following people:

Regional Vice Presidents: 

  • Americas: Natalie Ghidotti, CEO of Ghidotti in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Asia-Pacific: Shawn Jiang Xiaofeng, Managing Director of China Advocate, in Beijing, China
  • Europe, Middle East, and Africa: Marisa Toro, Founding Partner of Marlow Insight in Madrid, Spain

Committee chairs:

Under Clarac’s leadership, PRGN grew and adapted with a strong focus on sharing expertise, building trust, and using new technology as a leader among independent PR groups. PRGN’s twice-yearly conferences, like the Nairobi event, are key times for members to set strategy, develop services, and share best practices.

In a world shaped by AI, digital tools, and the need for clear and honest communication, PRGN’s strength comes from combining local knowledge with global teamwork. As noted in a recent PRGN industry outlook, AI will continue to boost efficiency, but the human touch in PR will become even more important. The network’s leaders are focused on helping clients build trust and tell their stories in a world where facts matter more than ever.

PRGN member agencies bring a wide range of skills and backgrounds, showing commitment to both new ideas and proven methods. 

About the Public Relations Global Network  

Founded in 1992, PRGN is one of the world’s largest international networks of independent public relations and communications agencies, with about 900 professionals in more than 60 locations. PRGN partners are independent, local, owner-run public relations and marketing communications firms that share expertise and resources while providing broad-based communications strategies to clients worldwide. Companies or organizations interested in PRGN’s local agency network services can visit its Agency Directory for more information. Independent agencies interested in joining the network can visit the member recruitment section of the PRGN website for more information.

Written by
at Oct 17, 2025

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