SEOUL—Samsung Electronics has moved PR duties for its mobile business to long-term partner Edelman, following a competitive pitch that took place at the end of last year.

The assignment, estimated at upwards of $2m, was previously handled by FleishmanHillard. A number of global PR firms pitched for the brief, which covers corporate and brand reputation support for the unit.

The decision reinforces Edelman's position as one of Samsung's key PR partners, following inroads by Fleishman over the past few years. Edelman also handles global corporate PR for Samsung, along with digital and social media work.

While explosive growth has driven Samsung to the top of the global smartphone category, mobile sales are expected to slow this year, thanks to increasing competition from other Android players. Samsung recently named Dongjin Koh as the new head of its mobile communications business.

Samsung representatives did not respond to request for comment as this story went live.