Why Consulting Firms Are Building In-House PR Agencies

Episode 32 of Service Business Talks explores a growing trend among top consulting firms: building their own public relations and communications agencies in-house. Lucas and Luna examine McKinsey's 2025 launch of McKinsey Communications Group, which poached senior talent from Edelman and Weber Shandwick, and how Deloitte Digital's PR arm has grown to over 200 people. They discuss why firms are moving away from outsourcing media relations, the strategic advantage of controlling thought leadership narratives, and the potential conflicts of interest when consultants also pitch journalists. Specific data: McKinsey's internal PR team now numbers 150+ staff, up from 30 in 2020. The episode also touches on how this trend mirrors earlier moves to build in-house legal and talent agencies, and what it means for independent PR firms competing for corporate clients. #ConsultingFirms #InHousePR #McKinsey #DeloitteDigital #PublicRelations #Communications #ThoughtLeadership #BusinessStrategy #ProfessionalServices #AgencyModel #MediaRelations #NarrativeControl #Edelman #WeberShandwick #InHouseAgency #ServiceBusinessTalks #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo