PR News From Edelman PR, Ruder Finn & Walker Sands
Edelman Hires Kate Krane as Brand Practice Lead for Pacific NW
Leading PR company is introducing a new member to its leadership team this week. Kate Krane is now the “Brand Practice Lead” for the company’s Pacific Northwest branch. According to the general manager of Edelman Pacific Northwest, Will Ludlam, Kate brings exceptional leadership potential and business acumen to the team. As the way that companies connect with customers continues to evolve, Edelman believes that Kat’s background in transformative retail and technology experiences will help her to reach their audience in new and exciting ways. Kate comes to Edelman from SapientRazorfish, where she was responsible for managing businesses like Taco Bell, T-Mobile and more.
Ryan Barr Joins Finn Partners as Financial Services Leader
Finn Partners welcomes a new addition to their team this week in the form of Ryan Barr. Ryan is now managing partner of the financial services practice for the agency. Barr comes to Finn Partners from a London-based financial services and technology firm called Cognito, where he was responsible for managing finances for the New York Office.
Ryan has a long history in the PR and financial sectors – he was previously managing director for communications practice leader and communications form the IGB Group. During the early days of his career, Ryan was also a VP of corporate communications and strategic partnerships for the Atari company.
Allison+Partners Acquires OneChocolate Communications
Global PR and communications firm Allison+Partners has now purchased the PR and digital marketing company OneChocolate Communications. Allison+Partners did not reveal any details about the financial specifics of the deal, but the company did release a statement announcing how pleased they were with the acquisition.
OneChocolate has clients in the technology, B2B and consumer sectors, and the company came to life in 1992, founded by Sue Grant and Jill Coomber. Today, OneChocolate will be bringing 40 people to the MDC Partner unit’s roster of staff members.
Scott Kauffman Steps Down as CEO and Chairman of MDC Partners
MDC Partners has announced that Scott Kauffman will be leaving his role as the company’s CEO and chairman. Kauffman plans to remain in his role until a successor is officially named, and he will also continue on as a member of the MDC board of directors after a CEO is named.
MDC Partners announced that they are appreciative of Scott’s efforts to keep MDC running smoothly as the business has moved through a complicated time of transition and industry growth. According to the chairman of the compensation and HR committee, Larry Kramer, Scott has helped the business to grow in various areas and put a strong foundation in place for the future of the brand.
Vistage Comments Mike Santoro with Member Excellence Leadership Award
The president of Walker Sands, a digital marketing and integrated PR agency, Mike Santoro has been awarded a new accolade this week. Santoro now holds the 2018 Vistage Member Excellence Leadership Award, after more than 800 Chicagoland Vistage members chose him for his exceptional leadership potential and commitment to the Chicago community.
Vistage is the world’s leading peer advisory organization known for honoring members for their high-quality leadership and growth activities. Santoro has helped Walker Sands to achieve incredible growth over his 10 years with the business.
