IPG Interpublic Group of Companies Inc

BOSTON, Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading global public relations firms, today announced it has partnered with Liberty Mutual Insurance, a leading diversified global insurer, to provide crisis management services as part of its new commercial lead umbrella policy, which provides companies with a layer of insurance protection beyond their primary general liability coverage. The firm is the preferred communications advisor to Liberty Mutual Insurance policyholders through this partnership.

The new crisis management coverage gives policyholders up to 72 hours to identify a crisis and file a claim to receive up to $50,000 in crisis management support from Weber Shandwick. Other insurers' crisis management coverage often require policyholders to file claims within 24 hours of the crisis event.

"In our 24/7 media environment, clarity, consistency and speed are essential in responding to crises in order to protect and maintain corporate reputations. Oftentimes, organizations are not equipped to handle these situations alone. Through our partnership with Liberty Mutual Insurance, policyholders will have timely access to a seasoned team of crisis counselors when an issue arises," said Micho Spring, chair of Weber Shandwick's Global Corporate practice.  

Beyond the standard $50,000 limit included with the new lead umbrella policy, up to $250,000 in additional crisis management coverage is available.

Weber Shandwick has been a trusted crisis communications and reputation management advisor to Fortune 500 companies and major brands around the globe. The firm has a proven record of success and has been involved in preparing for and responding to some of the most visible political and corporate crises. In addition to best-in-class strategies, methodologies and tools, the firm also offers an award-winning proprietary social crisis simulator, FireBell, which replicates online crises and attacks in a secure, off-the-internet environment.

"We are proud to partner with Weber Shandwick and are confident that this partnership will be an asset to policyholders – and the insurance brokers and agents who serve them – offering the flexibility to respond and manage both immediate and emerging crises," said Danya Kazakavich, Chief Underwriting Officer for Umbrella at Liberty Mutual Insurance's Commercial Markets strategic business unit.   

About Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in 81 countries around the world. The firm's success is built on its deep commitment to client service, our people, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advocacy advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. In 2010, Weber Shandwick was named Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report for the second year in a row; an 'Agency of the Decade' by Advertising Age, Large PR Agency of the Year by Bulldog Reporter, a Digital Firm of the Year by PR News, and Top Corporate Responsibility Advisory Firm by CR Magazine. The firm has also won numerous 'best place to work' awards around the world. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

"Helping people live safer, more secure lives" since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Insurance is a diversified global insurer and the third largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on A.M. Best Company's report of 2010 net written premium.

Liberty Mutual Insurance also ranks 82nd on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2010 revenue. As of December 31, 2010, Liberty Mutual Insurance had $112.4 billion in consolidated assets, $95.4 billion in consolidated liabilities, and $33.2 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

Liberty Mutual Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, workers compensation, property, commercial automobile, general liability, global specialty, group disability, reinsurance and surety. Liberty Mutual Insurance (www.libertymutualinsurance.com) employs over 45,000 people in more than 900 offices throughout the world.

SOURCE Weber Shandwick