PR News On Ronn Torossian, Weber Shandwick and MWWPR
Metropolitan Magazine Names Ronn Torossian As One Of The Most Influential New Yorkers
Ronn Torossian, the President and CEO of 5W Public Relations, has been named among the most influential New Yorkers in Metropolitan Magazine’s annual list. Editor in Chief of Metropolitan Magazine Adam Kluger said of Torossian “[he] exploded on the scene…with a singular passion and drive to run the top PR firm in New York City.” Torossian is honored with the recognition, which comes after being named Entrepreneur of the Year by the American Business Awards and giving a speech at the Harvard Business School. Other influential New Yorkers named by Metropolitan Magazine include Jay-Z, Robert De Niro, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez, among other celebrities, politicians, and influencers.
Will Ludlam Selected as U.S. West President of Weber Shandwick
Leading global communications and marketing strategy firm Weber Shandwick has announced that Will Ludlam will be president of their U.S. West offices located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Seattle. Ludlam has a history in technology and corporate PR, with extensive experience in strategic counsel and crisis management. In Weber Shandwick’s Seattle-based office, Ludlam will be responsible for client services and solutions across their Western locations. Ludlam previously led the Pacific Northwest business unit for Edelman; he has over 25 years of communications experience. Ludlam says he is “looking forward to joining this talented team” and hoping to implement new ideas that will have a big impact with clients.
MWWPR Appoints New Disaster Specialist
Leading independent Jersey-based PR firm MWWPR has named Ryan Velasco as Vice President of Corporate Communications. Velasco previously worked for three years in Ogilvy’s social change department. He will work again with former Ogilvy teammate Michelle Rios; the two previously worked at the WPP unit in DowDupont. Velasco worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for almost six years, becoming deputy branch chief for interagency coordination at the time. Velasco specializes in leading disaster teams, community outreach, and recovery operations, and he was active in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He served in the White House during the Obama administration as a natural resource response deputy.
AnnaMaria Desalva Set to Lead H+K Strategies After Jack Martin Steps Down
Eight years following the merging of his firm Public Strategies with H+K Strategies, Jack Martin has stepped down as CEO and has been succeeded by former DuPont CCO AnnaMaria DeSalva as chairman and CEO. Martin will officially step down in July, staying with the company in an advisory role until the end of 2019 as DeSalva takes up the double role of global chairman and CEO. DeSalva, who is a specialist in corporate healthcare with years of experience leading global healthcare, will become the third current woman in a leadership role at a top 10 PR firm. She will have a leadership team that includes Richard Miller and Lars Erik Grønntun. Miller and Grønntun were promoted to co-president roles last year, which was the culmination of Martin intentionally restructuring network operations globally. Martin is pleased with DeSalva’s new role and Desalva herself is looking forward to leading K+K into a new era.
