To reflect the sleek, sophisticated and dynamic public relations partner that Version 2.0 Communications has become known as, today the agency unveiled a new brand design and has renamed the firm as V2 Communications (V2). In addition, V2 announced that Katelyn Holbrook has been promoted to senior vice president, managing director.
In an era where PR and digital communications agencies try to be all things to all people, V2’s key differentiator is its big thinking and bold moves that drive better business outcomes for disruptive, global brands – outcomes that cover everything from competitive leadership, successful category creation and elevated market profiles to aid with liquidity events. To execute on its rebrand, V2 partnered with brand and digital design agency Ideas on Purpose to create its new visual design elements, and JackRabbit Design to build its new website.
“Innovation and disruption are two key themes of our organization. We seek client partners who are challenging the status quo with their products and services and we continually challenge ourselves to deliver innovative communications campaigns on their behalf,” said Jean Serra, V2 partner and cofounder. “After more than ten years in business, we too felt it was time to shake things up and redefine our own brand to more accurately reflect our vision and value proposition. We are the same PR agency that our clients and partners know, love and trust – just now formally known as our nickname, V2.”
Overall, 2019 was a milestone year for V2. The agency increased its revenue by 18% from 2018 to 2019 and signed on with 15 new clients that are based in the United States and Europe, including Markforged, Rave Mobile Safety, SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence, Masabi, Building Engines and Current Health. To support its growing client base, last year the agency expanded its headcount by 8% across its Boston and New York City offices and:
- Launched its Crisis Communications practice: When crises hit, responses need to be quick and effective. In June, V2 expanded its Crisis Communications practice to support businesses of all sizes and life stages – from strategic planning and counsel with crisis communications playbooks, to jumping in 24/7 to take control of a crisis and help restore a reputation post-crisis.
- Expanded its Content and Social Media practices: Great content and social media in tandem with PR can maximize resources to move prospects from discovery to decision. In 2019, V2 bulked up its headcount for these two practice areas.
- Partnered with four PR agencies in Asia: As its clients increasingly look to expand into the robust Asian markets, V2 accommodates by offering PR agency partners that have the same work, feel, network of influencer relationships and results that V2 offers. In September, V2 formally partnered with two agencies in China (Communication+ PR and SPRG Beijing Strategic Communications Consultants Limited) and two in Japan (J-Spin Public Relations and Arex Corporation).
V2 kicked off 2020 with the same strong momentum, highlighted by the agency rebrand, with a move to a newer, larger office space for its New York City team and the promotion of Holbrook to senior vice president, managing director. In this new, expanded role, Holbrook – who started at the agency as an account coordinator in 2008 – will continue to lead accounts, mentor and coach teams, and drive successful outcomes for clients. Her additional responsibilities include working closely with the cofounders to manage the agency’s overall health, from business development to evaluating and launching new service offerings to meet client needs. Holbrook will also design programs to highlight and showcase the agency’s core values.
“Given our evolution as a strategic communications consulting partner, it became natural to have a managing director at this stage of our growth. We couldn’t be prouder to have Katelyn, who grew up at the agency, on our senior leadership team – to help not only move our clients’ businesses forward, but our business, too,” said Maura FitzGerald, V2 partner and cofounder. “Katelyn is invaluable to the agency. She launched and leads our content practice, drives business development and new client cultivation and defines what it means to be a V2er: tenacious, confident, collaborative, transparent, curious and real. Jean and I are thrilled to partner with her as we embark on the next phase of V2’s growth.”
The V2 team brings a business mindset and creative thinking to communications and PR. Rather than becoming another silo, the agency listens to clients’ goals and provides the strategic counsel, campaign ideas and results that drive business forward. The V2 team serves as an honest voice amidst the noise, keeping clients true to who they are, and even truer to who they can be. No smoke, no mirrors – just the clarity businesses’ need to make confident decisions.
