SOURCE: Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - October 6, 2008) - Following a competitive pitch process, SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, has announced the selection of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR) as its new agency of record for public relations.

SunPower, the largest maker of solar power systems in the United States and a market leader worldwide, will partner with Ogilvy PR on a global communications effort to capitalize on solar power's momentum as a mainstream energy source. The account will be based in San Francisco, with support from team members in Denver, Washington, D.C., Sacramento, Milan, Madrid, London, Seoul, Manila, Sydney and other international offices.

"With the extremely rapid growth of our business worldwide, we needed an agency that could provide top-notch support around the globe and across multiple communications disciplines," said Julie Blunden, vice president of public policy and corporate communications at SunPower. "We were impressed by the caliber of Ogilvy PR's people, their understanding of our business challenges and their ability to move quickly."

Ogilvy PR will provide services in corporate and customer-directed communications, public affairs (in Washington, D.C., Sacramento and other U.S. state capitals, and Europe), crisis management, message development, social media and media training.

"We are thrilled to be working with one of the world's premier renewable energy companies," said Marcia Silverman, global CEO of Ogilvy PR. "SunPower's vertical integration and global presence require it to communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences including utilities, corporate customers, homeowners, investors, business partners, and policymakers at all levels of government. This partnership is a natural fit for our two companies. We look forward to helping SunPower navigate the challenges of its rapid growth."

"No agency can match the breadth and depth of Ogilvy PR's staff; we combine the hands-on senior-level support of a small agency with the unmatched resources of our global network," said Michael Law, managing director of Ogilvy PR in California. "Our strong capabilities in business-to-business and technology PR, the unparalleled reach of our public affairs practice, and our specialized expertise in energy and sustainability issues let us reach beyond the limitations of one-dimensional communications strategies to deliver powerful business results for our clients. The opportunity to work with SunPower has created intense excitement in Ogilvy offices everywhere."

About SunPower Corp.

SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar-electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. SunPower high-efficiency solar cells and solar panels generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.sunpowercorp.com. SunPower is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY). SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corporation. Cypress is a registered trademark of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (www.ogilvypr.com) is a leading global marketing communications firm, with offices in more than 60 cities around the world. In its 27th year, Ogilvy PR provides strategic public relations counsel to a variety of clients across its consumer marketing, corporate, healthcare, technology, public affairs, social marketing and entertainment practices. The agency also offers biotechnology and government affairs expertise through its subsidiaries Feinstein Kean Healthcare and Ogilvy Government Relations, respectively. Ogilvy PR is part of the WPP Group, one of the world's largest communications services organizations (NASDAQ: WPPGY) (www.wpp.com).