News from Finn Partners, PMK*BNC & W2O
Finn Partners Discovers the Greatest Fears of IT Decision Makers
According to Finn Partners Tech Practice managing partner Sabrina Horn, “The challenges that I.T. decision makers face each day are truly daunting. From aging technology infrastructures to cybersecurity threats to the need to keep up with the latest innovations, it’s no wonder we received a lot of scary, uncertain opinions about what lies ahead. But, these findings also highlight the need for technology providers to better communicate the business outcomes they deliver making it a little less uncertain for everyone.”
That’s information garnered from 511 IT decision makers from the U.S. The survey sought to reveal what they fear about IT. When they asked what they believe will disappear for tech in the near future, 30% believe desktop computers are almost a thing of the past and 28% think hard disk drives won’t last. Also, USB flash drives and desktop virtualization could disappear according to 19% and 10%, respectively.
PMK*BNC Adds a New Leader and Promotes Another
PMK*BNC has a new VP in Jodie Magid Oriol, a veteran publicist who previously worked for Lionsgate while Rachel Aberly has been promoted with expanded duties as VP. Magid Oriol will work primarily out of the New York office overseeing talent and entertainment strategy & development. The latter is a new department launched earlier this year. Aberly’s list of film and television work is extensive, and she will continue out of their West Coast offices.
Cindi Berger, CEO and Co-chair, said: “The role of a PMK*BNC publicist continues to evolve to reflect the scope of work of our incredibly creative and talented clients. We are strengthening the collaborative process so that we offer our clients the highest caliber of thought leadership in representation. Jodie and Rachel are integral to our vision for the future.”
Press Secretary for Mayor de Blasio Moves to Fenton Communications
Fenton Communications scored a win by signing Karen Hinton as its New York office’s Managing Director. Hinton left her post as Press Secretary for Mayor Bill de Blasio four months ago but landed on her feet with Fenton. Along with her managing director duties, she’ll be serving as the Chief Strategy officer.
About her reasons for taking this job, Hinton said: “No other public relations firm in the country offers the range of progressive issues to promote than Fenton.” She had only been on the Mayor’s staff for a year before leaving there in the summer.
W2O Adds Connect as an Executive Development Option
W2O already has Brewlife, Twist Marketing, and WCG under their umbrella. Now they are adding Connect, a new service to assist executives with leadership and communication skills. Connect counsels executives, key opinion leaders, and outside thought leaders regarding organization positioning, strategizing, and corporate messaging. Mike Huckman will lead this new endeavor out of W2O’s headquarters in San Francisco.
The offering, according to W2O’s statement, should allow those concerned to “navigate and engage more effectively in positioning and propelling their organizations, strategies, programs and brands to advance their strategic decision-making capabilities and more creatively and effectively shape their narrative.”
