SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS —  Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has selected H+K Strategies as its first global PR agency of record, the Holmes Report can reveal.

The decision follows a competitive review that involved proposals from several global agencies to help the company reshape its approach to public relations. The year-long assignment will aim to strengthen Embraer’s global profile. 

After helping to oversee the review earlier this year, Embraer global head of marketing and communications Saulo Passos departed the company to oversee Latin American corporate communications at Uber. Embraer VP of institutional relations Nelson Salgado said that "we needed an agency network with experience, processes, tools, and people to support our public relations efforts across the globe."

"They are an ambitious client with a passion for innovation and industry growth," said H+K team lead and co-CEO of Ideal H+K in Brazil, Ricardo Cesar. "Our campaign pushes the envelope beyond traditional PR to deliver a powerful boost in brand awareness, and ultimately, loyalty."

With revenues of almost $6bn in 2015, Embraer is considered the world's third-largest airplane maker behind Boeing and Airbus. The company's business jet market has suffered since the financial crisis of 2008, but new aircraft, along with a cost-cutting program are expected to help boost earnings.