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Solar cell, module, and system manufacturer SunPower has selected Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide as its new PR agency of record. The account will be based in San Francisco, with support from team members in Denver, Washington, DC, Sacramento, Milan, Madrid, London, Seoul, Manila, Sydney, and other international offices.

SunPower, the largest maker of solar power systems in the United States and a global market leader, will partner with Ogilvy PR on a global communications effort to capitalize on solar power's momentum as a mainstream energy source, the companies said. The agency will provide services in corporate and customer-directed communications, public affairs (in Washington, DC, Sacramento, and other U.S. state capitals, as well as in Europe), crisis management, message development, social media, and media training.

"With the extremely rapid growth of our business worldwide, we needed an agency that could provide top-notch support around the globe and across multiple communications disciplines," said Julie Blunden (pictured left), vice president of public policy and corporate communications at SunPower. "We were impressed by the caliber of Ogilvy PR's people, their understanding of our business challenges and their ability to move quickly."

"We are thrilled to be working with one of the world's premier renewable energy companies," added Marcia Silverman, global CEO of Ogilvy PR. "SunPower's vertical integration and global presence require it to communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences including utilities, corporate customers, homeowners, investors, business partners, and policymakers at all levels of government. This partnership is a natural fit for our two companies. We look forward to helping SunPower navigate the challenges of its rapid growth."

-- Tom Cheyney