Bob Dewar is a name synonymous with public relations and motorsport in Kenya. With a career spanning several decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s PR industry while simultaneously cultivating one of the country’s most prestigious automotive events, the Concours d’Elegance. His contributions have left a lasting legacy in the realms of business communication, brand management, and motorsport appreciation.
Early Life and Career in Public Relations
Born and raised in Kenya, Bob Dewar’s early life was steeped in the country’s vibrant culture and diverse business landscape. He attended the Prince of Wales School (now Nairobi School) before pursuing higher education in law at Oxford University. However, his passion lay elsewhere, and he soon found his true calling in public relations.
Upon returning to Kenya, Dewar began working in public relations for Caltex, one of the leading petroleum companies at the time. His ability to craft compelling narratives and build strong relationships in the corporate world quickly set him apart. In 1957, he took a bold step by founding his own PR company, with Caltex as his first client. This marked the beginning of a new era in Kenya’s PR industry, as Dewar’s firm set a high standard for corporate communication, brand management, and event organization.
A Pioneer in Public Relations
Bob Dewar’s approach to PR was innovative and strategic. He understood the power of storytelling in business communication and worked tirelessly to ensure that his clients’ brands resonated with their audiences. Over the years, his firm managed a diverse portfolio of clients across multiple industries, including oil, automotive, tourism, and manufacturing.
He played a crucial role in elevating corporate public relations in Kenya, mentoring many professionals who went on to become industry leaders. His emphasis on ethical PR practices, transparency, and strategic communication made him a highly respected figure in Kenya’s corporate circles. Many of the PR principles he championed continue to influence the industry today.
Passion for Motorsport and the Concours d’Elegance
Beyond the boardroom, Bob Dewar had a deep passion for automobiles. He was a co-founder of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club in Kenya, a move that would later shape his enduring legacy in the country’s motoring scene. His love for classic cars and well-maintained vehicles led him to establish the Concours d’Elegance, an event that has grown into one of Africa’s premier motoring showcases.
The first edition of the Concours d’Elegance was held in 1970 at the Spread Eagle Hotel (now Safari Park Hotel) to celebrate the first anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club. Initially a small event for club members, it quickly gained popularity, prompting the need for larger venues such as the Embakasi recreation area and, later, the Ngong Racecourse.
Under Dewar’s leadership, the Concours d’Elegance became more than just a car show; it evolved into a prestigious social event that attracts car enthusiasts, collectors, and spectators from across Africa and beyond. The event showcases beautifully restored classic and vintage cars, motorcycles, and contemporary vehicles judged for their originality, condition, and overall presentation.
Today, the Concours d’Elegance is recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), solidifying its status as an internationally acclaimed event. Each year, it draws thousands of spectators, reinforcing Kenya’s position on the global motoring map.
A Lasting Legacy
Bob Dewar’s contributions to public relations and motorsport in Kenya are immeasurable. His pioneering efforts in PR helped shape a robust corporate communication industry, setting high standards for professionalism and ethical conduct. At the same time, his passion for automobiles has given Kenya a world-class motoring event that continues to thrive decades after its inception.
His ability to bridge the gap between business and passion is a testament to his visionary leadership. Even as new generations take the reins in Kenya’s PR and motoring industries, Dewar’s legacy serves as a guiding light for those who seek to build meaningful careers in either field.
Through his work, Bob Dewar not only enhanced corporate storytelling but also created an avenue for car enthusiasts to celebrate their passion in a grand and elegant fashion. His name remains etched in Kenya’s history as a true pioneer, an innovator, and a man who turned his dreams into reality.
