LONDON—Weber Shandwick has been appointed by British Gas as its new retained agency for consumer and B2B PR, following a keenly-contested pitch.

The seven-figure business, which has been handled by Blue Rubicon for the past eight years, comes as British Gas steps up its innovation focus, via the nationwide Government-mandated smart meter roll-out, and through Hive, its connected home brand.

Both areas are expected to form a central element of Weber Shandwick's work with the company. The account will be led by Weber Shandwick strategy and creative director Stuart Lambert and client experience lead Hollie Adamson.

“It’s rare that a UK brief this exciting, touching so many people and in an industry as nuanced and significant as the energy sector comes along," said Weber Shandwick London MD Rachel Friend. "British Gas has a unique, incredible history and is a truly iconic British brand."