BDR Associates, one of the pioneering strategic communication agencies in Central and Eastern Europe, celebrates 30 years of activity in 2025, marking a defining milestone for the Romanian communications industry. Founded in 1995, the agency has played a key role in shaping modern public relations, corporate communication, and strategic narrative-building across Romania and the wider region.
Over three decades, BDR Associates has delivered thousands of communication, branding, rebranding, crisis management, and reputation-focused campaigns for multinational corporations, public institutions, international organizations, and entrepreneurial businesses. At the same time, the agency has contributed to the professional development of hundreds of communication specialists, many of whom now work across global markets.
“When we founded the agency in 1995, we first had to explain what public relations actually meant. Today, we operate in a world of strategic narrative and messaging, crisis simulations, intelligence gathering, stakeholder mapping, sector analysis, and investor relations,” explains Cătălina Rousseau, Founder of BDR Associates.
Three Decades of Transformation
From press releases sent by fax to integrated digital communication strategies, BDR Associates has not only witnessed but actively driven the evolution of strategic communication in Romania. The agency introduced international best practices through long-standing partnerships with global consultancies such as Hill & Knowlton/Burson (WPP) and FTI Consulting, contributing to the professionalization of the entire industry.
Key milestones include:
- Becoming the first Romanian PR agency affiliated with a global communications group
- Bringing the Superbrands global program to Romania
- Winning Romania’s first international PR industry award (SABRE Awards – CEE)
- Introducing advanced Public Affairs capabilities aligned with international standards
- Participating consistently in major international industry juries and professional bodies
Rebranding and Strategic Expansion in 2025
The 30th anniversary coincides with a major transformation phase for BDR Associates. In 2025, the agency underwent a comprehensive rebranding, restructured its leadership team, and expanded its strategic capabilities. New services include Investor Relations, responding to growing demand from companies operating in increasingly complex financial and regulatory environments.
This evolution reflects broader shifts in the communications industry, driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, fragmented information ecosystems, and the rising risks of misinformation and deepfake technologies.
Communication with Civic Impact
Beyond commercial success, BDR Associates has maintained a strong commitment to civic values and social responsibility. One of its flagship initiatives is Curaj Civic (Civic Courage), an annual royal patronage project that recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage and civic responsibility across various fields, contributing to a healthier and more transparent public space.
“Our role goes far beyond writing messages or running campaigns. As leaders in strategic communication, we have a moral responsibility to support transparency, accountability, and meritocracy in society,” adds Cătălina Rousseau.
Looking Ahead: The Next 30 Years
As the industry faces profound challenges — from AI-driven communication to declining institutional trust — BDR Associates positions itself as a guardian of credible, ethical, and strategic communication.
The agency’s future strategy focuses on authenticity, transparency, innovation, and long-term value creation, supported by continuous investment in technology and, above all, people.
With a team of 30 consultants and offices in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, BDR Associates aims to remain a leading strategic communication partner in Southeast Europe, while increasingly contributing to projects across broader European and Middle Eastern markets.
Source: BDR Associates press release
