Berk Communications
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public relations |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Ron Berkowitz |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Ron Berkowitz (CEO), Marisa Carstens (Senior Vice President), Melanie Wadden Van Dusen (Vice President of Sports and Entertainment), Ryan Mucatel (Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President), Alex Pitocchelli (Vice President) |
Berk Communications is a U.S.-based public relations agency with expertise in sectors such as consumer lifestyle, food and beverage, travel, sports, and entertainment. Established in 1999 by Ron Berkowitz, who continues to lead as CEO, the firm operates from its main office in New York City and maintains a secondary location in Los Angeles, California.
In 2021, Berk Communications achieved the 24th position on the Global Top 250 PR Agency Ranking.
History
Berk Communications was launched by Ron Berkowitz in 1999 and became a majority-owned branch of MWWPR in 2015, while preserving its autonomy in daily operations. The agency is well-known for representing prominent clients including D'usse Cognac, Kevin Durant, Robinson Canó, CC Sabathia, Roc Nation Sports, Tao Group, Tidal, and Alex Rodriguez. A notable engagement was in 2002 when Britney Spears enlisted Berk Communications to promote her New York City restaurant Nyla. In 2016, the firm played a key role in the relaunch of The Statler Hotel & Residences and maintained its collaboration with Alex Rodriguez after his retirement from professional sports.
The company has consistently been ranked among leading U.S. PR firms: O'Dwyer PR recognized it within the top 10 for both sports and food and beverage categories, as well as within the top 25 for travel and economic development. By 2020, Berk Communications had risen to a top 5 position in U.S. sports PR, top 10 in entertainment, and top 30 across beauty, fashion & lifestyle, travel & economic development, and food & beverage sectors.
Significant leadership expansions include Marisa Carstens joining as Senior Vice President in January 2017 and Melanie Wadden Van Dusen assuming the role of Vice President of Sports and Entertainment in July 2017. In September 2019, Ryan Mucatel was appointed Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, followed by Alex Pitocchelli’s addition as Vice President later that year.
Berk Communications has garnered numerous honors such as five awards at the 2018 PRNEWS Agency Elite Awards for initiatives covering thought leadership, media relations, nonprofit efforts, publicity campaigns, and multicultural marketing. The firm earned nominations at the 2019 PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards along with a Bronze Stevie Award for food & beverage communications. Additional commendations include honorable mentions at the PRNEWS Platinum PR Awards and securing the No. 44 spot on The Observer’s PR Power 50 List.