Sara Vercauteren and Anja Peleman, managing directors of public relations agency Bepublic Group, will soon pass the torch to a successor(s). In early 2021, Anja and Sara took over the helm of the agency from Jeroen Wils and Dajo Hermans. For four years they built Bepublic Group further into a renowned PR and strategic communications agency in the lap of Mediafin. Today, a 20-person team assists more than 100 clients in the field of journalistic PR, strategic communications and crisis communications.
Mediafin is in the process of searching for a successor(s) for the independent PR agency. Until one is found, Anja Peleman will ensure continuity as managing director at Bepublic Group. As always, clients can continue to count on the commitment and expertise of the whole team.
Over the past four years, Sara and Anja have, among other things, founded the training division Beready, made Bepublic Group a member of the international PR network PR World Alliance, developed podcasts for clients and for spokespeople (podcast Geen Commentaar/Pas de Commentaire) and strengthened the team with strategic and journalistic Dutch- and French-language profiles. With its strong team of PR experts, Bepublic Group has won many awards. The agency was named Agency of the Year in 2023, won the international PRWA award and no less than 15 BORAs (Best of Reputation Awards).
Sara and Anja look back on the past years with a sense of pride: “It is a privilege to be able to work every day with such a professional and talented team for such a beautiful and diverse portfolio of clients. Every day we try to make the difference for them with our journalistic PR and our expertise of the Belgian press. Big thanks also to Peter Quaghebeur (CEO) and Mediafin for supporting us in this adventure. We were given the responsibility but also the freedom to write our own story.”
Sara and Anja each have their own reasons for passing the torch, but the timing of their choice runs parallel.
“My passion is (crisis) communication. I get the most energy when I can help people and organizations with this. Whether it’s helping someone tell a sensitive story, acute crisis communication, or media training. I am itching to get more involved with content and less with commercial tasks. At the end of February, I will therefore stop as managing director and resume my practice as an independent communications consultant.” Sara Vercauteren
“What an incredible adventure it was to work with Sara and the team to bring Bepublic Group to where it is today. At the same time, it was not an easy period for me on a personal level. Having to say goodbye to my son unexpectedly made me look at the future in a different way, also professionally. I feel that this is the right time to pass the torch and explore new paths within the world of communication. I will gladly stay on board until a successor(s) is found.” Anja Peleman
“I thank Sara and Anja for their never-ending drive to bring and keep Bepublic Group at the top of PR agencies. They have done this with brio. There is an extremely strong team ready to explore new horizons,and build a future together. Bepublic Group takes a full place in the Mediafin family alongside De Tijd/L’Echo, De Belegger/L’Investisseur, Openthebox and Profacts. We wish Sara and Anja every success, and are confident that our paths will cross again. Godspeed” Peter Quaghebeur, CEO Mediafin
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