Earned First appoints David Blecken to senior editorial role

Earned First has named David Blecken as research and insights editor, stepping up its focus on rigorous analysis, credible benchmarking and long-form insight across the global public relations industry.

Blecken brings almost two decades of experience covering and analysing the communications business, including senior editorial roles at Campaign Asia-Pacific, where he served as deputy editor and later launched Campaign Japan as executive editor. Since 2021, he has been content director at the Hoffman Agency, leading the editorial direction for technology clients across Asia-Pacific and the US, overseeing executive communications, research-led content and the agency’s own thought leadership platforms.

During his career, Blecken has also contributed analysis and reporting to organisations including The Economist Intelligence Unit and PRovoke Media, and has worked with companies on research-led content and executive communications.

In his new role, Blecken takes on responsibility for Earned First’s insights and research agenda, overseeing proprietary studies, industry benchmarking, an upcoming awards programme, analytical content and partner-led research initiatives across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, as the business builds a more globally representative platform for the communications profession.

As an equity partner, Blecken will also play a role in shaping Earned First’s long-term strategy and development, working closely with Arun Sudhaman, founding editor of Earned First. With his arrival, Earned First grows to four people, including associate director Sarika Chavan in Mumbai.

"I’m lucky to have known David for almost 20 years across different roles and markets, and he has consistently stood out as one of the most thoughtful and observant minds in public relations reporting," said Sudhaman. "Beyond his experience, he brings judgement, curiosity and integrity, all of which matter enormously to how we want Earned First to grow. I’m delighted to be building this business with him."

"I've always believed that the communications business deserves thoughtful, meaningful coverage and analysis," added Blecken. "Earned First offers the chance to help build something that reflects how the industry is really evolving outside traditional Western centres. It's truly exciting to be joining at this early stage and contributing to the platform's long-term vision."

Blecken arrives at Earned First as momentum builds for the title, which was established in May 2025 as part of the PRomise Foundation. Earned First helped unveil new research this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and will be convening the debut edition of PRAXIS MENA in Abu Dhabi next month, part of its broader vision to elevate public relations and corporate affairs professionals across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

David Blecken will join Earned First at PRAXIS MENA in February 2026 and remains based in Tokyo.