NEW YORK—DKC Public Relations has launched BR&, a new full-service branding and advertising arm designed to provide clients with a 360-degree approach to communications solitons. 

BR& is headed by Karen Whittey, vice president and creative director, who brings more than 20 years of experience in brand design, advertising, strategy development and digital marketing services. Prior to joining BR&, Karen played an integral role in Denihan Hospitality’s brands, refreshing The Surrey and The Benjamin hotel’s identity, and is a founding member of The James Hotels, where she aided in The James design direction.

Previously, Whittey served as senior VP and creative director at Grey Global Group, working with the W Hotels brand and launching beauty brands such as LipFusion by FusionBeauty, Dessert by Jessica Simpson, and Clean perfume. Her entertainment design work includes the graphics for the theatre production of Disney’s The Lion King.

According to Sean Cassidy, president of DKC.  “As the communications industry continues to evolve, clients are looking for a multitude of services under one roof; the launch of BR& enables us to create a cohesive brand message and strategy for our clients across the spectrum of communications disciplines." 

Services offered by BR& include brand positioning, strategic planning, packaging and logo design, brand guidelines development and full service print, digital and broadcast advertising across a variety of industries.

BR& has recently been retained by The Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, to handle naming and logo design for its food and beverage spaces and is also developing outreach materials for the Sonima Foundation, an organization that offers health and wellness programs to schools and communities.