Navigating EU regulatory hearings and protecting corporate reputation

A leading global agribusiness faced serious allegations regarding its pesticide product approval processes, which led to an EU Commission investigation. These allegations posed a significant threat to both the company’s reputation and its operational capabilities.

• Developed a communications framework to support the legal strategy and effectively address the allegations.
• Created a robust stakeholder engagement plan spanning multiple jurisdictions to ensure consistent and coordinated messaging.
• Prepared corporate executives for the EU Commission hearings, ensuring they were aligned and well-positioned to respond to inquiries.
• Designed and executed a strategic media and stakeholder communications program to manage public perception and mitigate reputational risks.
• Coordinated an integrated, multinational team across communications and public affairs disciplines to tackle all aspects of the crisis.
• Implemented proactive reputation management strategies to minimize negative impacts and protect brand integrity.

Our integrated approach safeguarded the company’s reputation and regulatory standing, while simultaneously reinforcing stakeholder trust. The EU Commission hearings were successfully navigated, with corporate representatives delivering clear, consistent messages that helped frame media coverage and public debate. This approach played a vital role in protecting the company’s reputation, ensuring the integrity of the company and the standing of its executives. The company also effectively communicated its compliance with safety procedures, reinforcing its commitment to high standards and regulatory compliance. Ultimately, the company was able to maintain trust and sustain strong relationships with key stakeholders coming out of the crisis.