Alwaleed: Prince Who Is King of the Bull Ring

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WHO has been the most effective business communicator of the past 12 months? The Business, in association with the PRCA, the public relations industry trade association, is seeking the best in a unique award to recognise the company director who has done most to protect, promote, preserve or project the values and performance of his or her company.

It has not been an easy year to be a shaper of corporate fortunes. The looming threat of recession, the terrorist attacks on the US and the ensuing collapse in business confidence, accounting scandals and escalation of conflicts around the world meant most executives struggled just to stand still in performance terms. But communicating the bad news well and acting to support the corporate image and project the right messages to shareholders, customers, regulators and the general public has been critical.

"There's a real business case …