Rick Guttridge is the Founder and CEO of Smoking Gun, the PR, influencer and social media agency built around a clear belief: communications should not just create noise, but prove measurable business impact. With more than 25 years’ experience in PR, Rick has helped major brands improve visibility, likeability and memorability through ingenious communications across sectors including FMCG, pets, homes and interiors, parenting, health and wellbeing, and personal finance.
Rick and his team are globally recognised for helping brave brands achieve commercial and organisational goals through strategic storytelling, creative campaigns and evidence-led communications. He has long championed PR measurement and effectiveness, with Smoking Gun recognised for its focus on proving that communications drives real business results. The agency’s track record includes multiple global effectiveness awards, a proprietary approach to planning and measurement, and award-winning campaigns for household names.
Beyond client work, Rick is committed to raising standards in the PR industry. Smoking Gun has helped support one of the UK’s first industry-led PR and communications apprenticeships, bringing senior agency expertise into the training of the next generation of practitioners. He is also passionate about responsible business, with Smoking Gun supporting not-for-profits and donating a share of profits to charity each year.
Rick’s Work
– 7 things i’ve learned in 7 years of running Smoking Gun – Smoking Gun
– How to Use PR to Grow Your Business
