Glodow Nead’s International Expansion
Glodow Nead Communications emerged from the vibrant San Francisco music scene of 1974. Founded by John Glodow to represent influential musicians, the agency's narrative expanded when Jeff Nead joined in the late ‘80s, diversifying the portfolio into hospitality, real estate, wine, and luxury lifestyle sectors. GNC's journey has been punctuated by unforgettable moments, from orchestrating Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic inaugural flight to spearheading the global launch of the Pokémon trading card game. These milestones set the stage for the agency's remarkable global expansion
Background
The Challenge
As GNC's reputation flourished, so did its ambitions. The agency had goals of expanding beyond its San Francisco roots to become a truly global player. The challenge was twofold: to establish a significant presence in Asia and Europe while maintaining the boutique agency finesse that had become GNC's hallmark. This meant serving cross-continental clients without sacrificing the hands-on, personalized approach that set GNC apart in a competitive industry.
Our Approach
GNC's leadership recognized that global expansion required a multifaceted approach rooted in cultural understanding and strategic growth. We actively sought professionals with international expertise, with a key addition being Hwee Peng Yeo, a PR executive from Singapore with extensive experience in Asian markets. This move was part of a broader strategy to foster a company culture that valued diverse perspectives, cross-cultural understanding, and international impact.
The leadership team committed to continuous investment in international markets, ensuring the agency stayed ahead of global trends. We invested in building and maintaining relationships with prominent media outlets across continents, expanding GNC's reach and influence. Recognizing the evolving needs of our international clientele, GNC expanded our services beyond traditional PR, offering cultural training and market entry strategies to clients looking to enter new markets.
Results
GNC's strategic approach to international expansion has transformed the agency from a local San Francisco firm to a global PR powerhouse. Today, we’re proud of our strong presence across Asia and Europe, serving a diverse international clientele. Our team now manages PR interests for major corporate clients and boutique clients in Asia and Europe, represents Asian and European clients in the U.S., and facilitates PR exchanges between U.S. and international companies.
This global reach has been achieved without compromising GNC's commitment to personalized service. Despite our expansion, the agency has maintained its signature hands-on approach, successfully blending boutique agency finesse with international reach. Through our expansion, GNC has also positioned itself as more than just a PR agency. By offering valuable cross-cultural consulting, we help clients navigate new markets effectively, opening up business opportunities that extend far beyond traditional PR services. This unique positioning has made GNC a go-to agency for hospitality, real estate, and lifestyle brands seeking to expand their global footprint, particularly in Asian markets.
Below is a selection of recent media placements Glodow Nead has secured internationally.
