5WPR, one of the 10 largest independently-owned U.S. PR firms, announced that its CEO and Founder, Ronn Torossian, will speak to two classes at Harvard Business School on March 12, focusing on crisis communications lessons, strategies and best practices.
These courses on marketing and public relations will focus specifically on the “United Breaks Guitars” case study. Torossian will offer the students expert insights on this now high-profile incident, during which United Airlines infamously broke a musicians’ guitar, and how a song created in response became an embarrassing public relations nightmare for the airline.
“Crisis PR is a pillar of the communications industry, and given the speed at which crises in the modern world can explode, it’s more important than ever to learn what it takes to manage and recover from a crisis,” explains Torossian. “I credit Harvard Business School for understanding that for the next generation of communications professionals, it’s important that they learn from firsthand accounts, whether they be successes or failures. So much of this job is about getting knocked down and picking yourself right back up. It’s hard to gain that knowledge relying solely on a textbook.”
With more than 20 years of experience creating powerful narratives, Torossian is one of the most well respected public relations professionals in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has guided the company into becoming one of the top 10 independent PR firms in the nation with more than 150 professionals in the company’s headquarters in the iconic Helmsley Building in Manhattan.
“Being recognized as a communications leader by Harvard Business School is a tremendous honor and privilege. Harvard Business School educates the best and the brightest, and I am very excited to share with them some of the lessons I have learned over the years,” said Torossian. “As founder of 5WPR, I can say we share this prestigious institution’s drive for excellence and top-notch results. I’m incredibly excited and look forward to an intellectually stimulating day with the students and professors of Harvard Business School.”
Torossian has been recognized with many industry and business awards, including being named PR Executive of the Year by the American Business Awards, and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semifinalist. He also has led 5WPR to being named an American Business Awards PR agency of the year.
Torossian regularly provides expert commentary in the media, and his book, “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations,” is an industry best-seller. A native of New York City, Ronn Torossian lives in Manhattan with his children. He is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and active in numerous charities.
