Careers - Page 1 - PRWeek US

Newsmaker: Paul Hicks, NFL

Gideon Fidelzeid February 01, 2012

After guiding the NFL during the 2011 lockout, its EVP of comms and public affairs is quarterbacking efforts on issues from player safety to global expansion.

Newsmaker: Maggie FitzPatrick, Cigna

Danielle Drolet January 01, 2012

From a closer relationship with customers to reinvigorated employees, things are notably different at Cigna - and its CCO has been a key agent of that change.

Newsmaker: Ginger Hardage, Southwest Airlines

Bernadette Casey December 01, 2011

In the case of Southwest Airlines' SVP, culture and comms, her title perfectly reflects a focus on keeping customers and employees informed and enthused.

Newsmaker: Peter Thonis, Verizon

Bernadette Casey November 01, 2011

From his views on social media to the importance he places on educating others, Verizon's CCO infuses energy into all aspects of his communications philosophy.

Newsmaker: Tita Freeman, National Retail Federation

Steve Barrett October 01, 2011

As big banks can attest, the National Retail Federation's new SVP of comms and public affairs is quickly establishing the organization as a major voice on the Hill.

Newsmaker: Kate James, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Bernadette Casey September 01, 2011

Thanks to the CCO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the comms function's effectiveness is catching up to the organization's global philanthropic impact.

Newsmaker: Bill Wohl, HP

Danielle Drolet August 01, 2011

A long relationship with his CEO, who considers comms vital to business success, is helping HP's CCO bring true uniformity to his company's message. Danielle Drolet reports.

Newsmaker: Angela Buonocore, ITT Corporation

Bernadette Casey July 01, 2011

Thirty years' experience is proving handy as ITT Corporation's CCO prepares for its impending spinoff into three entities - and the PR challenges that come with that.

Newsmaker: Ray Jordan, Johnson & Johnson

Tanya Lewis June 01, 2011

Passion and patience have helped Johnson & Johnson's comms head thrive amid major recalls and the challenges of overseeing 250-plus operating companies.

Newsmaker: Corey duBrowa, Starbucks

Alexandra Bruell May 01, 2011

Starbucks' logo change was the most recent test to its CCO's storytelling acumen, a skill honed while working at Nike and writing about rock stars.

Newsmaker: Ricardo Reyes, Tesla

Tanya Lewis April 01, 2011

While electric carmaker Tesla's global comms VP is unafraid to employ unique tactics, he's quick to credit lessons learned from other companies for shaping his strategy.

Newsmaker: Adele Ambrose, CCO, Merck

Jaimy Lee March 01, 2011

Merck's CCO of three-plus years continues to answer the challenge posed by its merger with Schering-Plough and an ongoing focus on the company's reputation.

Newsmaker: Jon Harris, Sara Lee

Alexandra Bruell February 01, 2011

An ability to be creative while maintaining consistency of messaging has allowed Sara Lee's SVP of global comms to effectively lead amid numerous changes.

Newsmaker: Sean Garrett, Twitter

Jason Shuffler January 01, 2011

Twitter's ubiquity, rising membership, and still-developing business model present great challenges and opportunities for its first VP of communications.

Newsmaker: Elaine Driscoll, Boston Police Dept

Erica Iacono December 01, 2010

From political to entertainment PR, every job held by the Boston Police Department's comms director has prepared her for a role where crisis work is the norm.

Newsmaker: Lawrence Rand, CEO, Kekst and Co.

Kimberly Maul November 01, 2010

Following in the footsteps of founder and now chairman Gershon Kekst, the firm's new CEO is ready to take Kekst and Company to the next level.

Newsmaker: Tom Buckmaster, Honeywell

Erica Iacono October 01, 2010

In his decade-plus tenure at Fortune 100 conglomerate Honeywell, the corporate communications VP has learned that simplicity is the best strategy of all.

Newsmaker: Julie Hamp, SVP and CCO, PepsiCo

Alexandra Bruell September 01, 2010

In just two years, Hamp has reshaped the comms team, established a broader corporate identity, and invested in the company's digital future.

Newsmaker: Bill Whitman, VP of US communications, McDonald's

August 01, 2010

The VP of US communications at McDonald's uses fresh PR tactics to boost the iconic brand.

Newsmaker: Don Nathan, CCO, UnitedHealth Group

Jaimy Lee July 01, 2010

From a class-action lawsuit to the ongoing healthcare reform debate, the CCO of UnitedHealth Group continues to face business and reputation challenges.

State Farm's Fernandez uses inclusive comms

Tanya Lewis June 01, 2010

State Farm's VP of public affairs is helping the company reach out to diverse audiences as it prepares for one of its largest transitions.

Kraft's Yeatman focuses on brand identity

Aarti Shah May 01, 2010

In the nearly five years that Perry Yeatman, SVP of corporate affairs, has been at Kraft Foods, she has seen the food company through several watershed moments.

Duke Energy's Roche leads amid industry change

Erica Iacono April 01, 2010

Duke Energy's chief communications officer is helping to create the right message during a critical time for the company and the energy industry at large.

Sheffer navigates GE challenges with political savvy

Kimberly Maul March 01, 2010

Gary Sheffer, GE's VP of communications and public affairs, is helping to build a more skilled team to deal with the myriad messages coming out of the conglomerate.

Brown leads comms charge for Yahoo comeback

Aarti Shah February 01, 2010

Yahoo's head of communications Eric Brown takes on the arduous task of making the company relevant in a landscape that has become increasingly competitive.

Ogilvy PR's Graves adds a global perspective

Jaimy Lee January 01, 2010

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide's new global CEO plans to use his international experience in both PR and media to build on the success of the agency.

AARP's Donnellan ushers in a new era of comms

Jaimy Lee December 01, 2009

Kevin Donnellan, the AARP's CCO, is working to increase the organization's visibility and communications integration amid a variety of opportunities to influence discussion.

Day is helping Ford tell a story of survival

Aarti Shah November 01, 2009

Ford's VP of communications Ray Day is tasked with keeping the company's current momentum going in the midst of a tough year for the US auto industry.

Alan Marks 'sells' eBay as online marketplace

Aarti Shah October 01, 2009

EBay's corporate communications SVP looks to bring the famed Silicon Valley company back to relevance.

Gollust prepares for challenges at NBC Universal

Frank Washkuch September 01, 2009

Profit slides and on-air talent shifts are but two of the issues facing NBC Universal's new communications head.

Collamore shifts strategy at Chamber of Commerce

Jaimy Lee August 01, 2009

Although Thomas Collamore (pictured) spent the bulk of his career in politics and corporate affairs, his eye for strategic communications led him to the Chamber of Commerce.

Pekarek is an advocate for change at GSK

Jaimy Lee July 01, 2009

When Nancy Pekarek assumed her new position as the VP of communications for GlaxoSmithKline, it was the next step in a 15-year career with the second-largest pharma company in the world.

Simon Sproule crafts a new story for Microsoft

Rose Gordon June 01, 2009

The auto PR veteran steps into Microsoft's top comms slot at a time when the company is preparing for big things- and he is more than up for the challenge.

Springboard's Vogel propels comms efforts for disabled Americans

Tanya Lewis April 27, 2009

Nadine Vogel's career has evolved around her passion for and absolute commitment to helping companies reach the disabled community.

Peppercom role is tailor-made for Siry's strategy

Aarti Shah April 27, 2009

After serving as CMO for two high-profile companies, Darryl Siry made an unexpected move by joining Peppercom as a senior analyst earlier this year.

Cervone answers the call of opportunity at UAL

Nicole Zerillo April 13, 2009

After 24 years in the auto industry and oversight of a $150 million-plus budget at GM, Tony Cervone decided he needed a change.

Freeman charts a new course for travel industry

Jaimy Lee April 06, 2009

Geoff Freeman is used to working under fire. Before joining the US Travel Association (then called the Travel Industry Association [TIA]) in 2006, he worked for clients like the Partnership for Prescription Assistance and entities like Freddie Mac and the American Association of Health Plans.

PR Newswire's Chacko sees a world of potential

Rose Gordon March 30, 2009

In the six weeks since Ninan Chacko joined PR Newswire (PRN) as its new CEO, the 44-year-old father of three has kept a relentless schedule in order to immerse himself in the company and industry.

Schiff's efforts propel the cult status of Dr. Doom

Tonya Garcia March 23, 2009

For most PR Pros, someone widely known as "Dr. Doom" might not be the most desired client.

Lubin designs plan to reinvigorate Vivienne Tam

Alexandra Bruell March 16, 2009

Allison Lubin joined Vivienne Tam's eponymous design house just after HP had approached it about a partnership.

Brockman's motivation nets results for Disney/ABC

Kimberly Maul March 09, 2009

When he was 20, Kevin Brockman decided to start a PR firm in New York with some friends.

Collegio helps the NAB score points in transition

Frank Washkuch March 02, 2009

In February 2006, President George W. Bush mandated that all over-the-air broadcasting signals would transition to digital format three years later.

Wallace leads Virgin Mobile through many shifts

Aarti Shah February 23, 2009

Since Jayne Wallace has taken over as VP of corporate communications at Virgin Mobile, she's shepherded the company through some of its heftiest PR challenges.

Mattel's Bongiovanni takes responsibilities to heart

Nicole Zerillo February 16, 2009

With a baby on one shoulder and a phone on the other, Lisa Marie Bongiovanni, VP of corporate communications and government affairs at Mattel, assisted the company during its 2007 global toy recall and her own maternity leave.

AKC benefits from Okas' broader perspective

Tanya Lewis February 09, 2009

When Daisy Okas interviewed to become assistant VP of communications at the nonprofit American Kennel Club (AKC) seven years ago, she was a dog-world outsider with a background working on consumer accounts at PR agencies such as Weber Shandwick.

Cabrey gives a healthy boost to Shire's branding

Jaimy Lee January 29, 2009

Matt Cabrey joined Shire Pharmaceuticals four years ago as the corporate communications director when the British biopharma company had just began US expansion.

Liskey infuses confidence into CME's outreach

Tonya Garcia January 26, 2009

With an economic recession in full swing, financial entities are working harder to confirm their health to the public.

Blum's passion feeds Yum Brands' varied efforts

Rose Gordon January 19, 2009

Jonathan Blum has spent nearly 20 years with Yum Brands' restaurants. With brands including KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, it is the largest restaurant company, outnumbering McDonald's locations.

Russel leads ongoing evolution of Getty's image

Kimberly Maul January 12, 2009

"Careers kind of take their paths," says Bridget Russel, senior director of corporate communications for Getty Images. She has certainly followed hers through posts at Seattle University, MSI Consulting Group, and her current company.

Hale finds the proper angle for all BSH comms

Nicole Zerillo December 15, 2008

Marni Hale knows that the German company Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group (BSH) might not be on the tips of consumers' tongues in North America. Yet, she is making sure its brands, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, and Siemens, stay top of mind.

Proposition 8 battle brings out the best in Karger

Aarti Shah December 08, 2008

After several decades working as a behind-the-scenes strategist, Fred Karger finally took the stage on July 18.

Shapiro brings an openness to Mozilla's outreach

Rose Gordon December 01, 2008

Mozilla chose Melissa Shapiro as its first full-time PR pro about a year and half ago, when it was about a week into an RFP for a new US AOR. Most recently, she helped the company set a Guinness World Record in June for the most downloads in a single day.

Cleveland helps CJP's clients see digital benefits

Tonya Garcia November 24, 2008

Wilson Cleveland works for CJP Communications, a firm known for clients such as Edward Jones and GE Financial Corporate Services, but he has found a way to parlay his entertainment PR background into his work there.

AMC's Apostolou gives 'Mad Men' crossover appeal

Kimberly Maul November 10, 2008

Theano Apostolou believes she has the best job in entertainment right now. As VP of publicity, talent relations, and promotional events for AMC, including Emmy-winning Mad Men, many might agree.

Dakin dials up effort to curb the use of robocalls

Ted McKenna November 03, 2008

Shaun Dakin calls it his "15 minutes of fame," but his foresight in creating a nonprofit last year devoted to adding automated political phone calls to the national, voluntary "Do Not Call" registry is generating media attention lasting quite a bit longer than that.

Mattson's efforts help the Crocs brand hit its stride

Tanya Lewis October 27, 2008

While in the delivery room waiting to give birth to twins last December, Tia Mattson, senior PR and communication manager for Crocs, was busy writing a press release. Given her dedication, it's not surprising that the Colorado-based shoe company hit 1 billion media impressions last year, a number it will likely surpass in 2008.

Bartman's innovative tactics fuel BP's branding

Nicole Zerillo October 20, 2008

On some topics, everyone seems to have an opinion, from the presidential election to the best coffee. However, Linda Bartman has made a career of promoting products that consumers probably have not thought twice about.

Bass helps channel SolarCity's energy message

Tanya Lewis October 13, 2008

On April 16 of this year, Jonathan Bass became director of communications for SolarCity, the Foster City, CA-based provider of commercial and residential solar power.

Hunt brings mature attitude to Thomson Reuters

Rose Gordon October 06, 2008

Jolie Hunt joined Thomson Reuters as global head of PR for its Markets division just 10 days after the companies merged in April 2008.

O'Neil keeps Starbucks in line with its partners

Nicole Zerillo September 22, 2008

The next time the woman standing in line behind you at Starbucks asks why you ordered that particular drink, be honest. It could be VP of global communications Valerie O'Neil.

Swygert takes ACS' comms function personally

Tonya Garcia September 15, 2008

Of all the elements Amy Swygert brings to her role as VP of strategic communications planning at the American Cancer Society (ACS), none are more important than her personal experience

Valentino parlays 'People' skills into broader role

Kimberly Maul September 08, 2008

When Warner Bros. pushed back the date of its Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie to July 17, 2009, it posed a problem for Entertainment Weekly, as well as Nancy Valentino, VP of the entertainment communications group for Time Inc. EW had already gone to press with a fall movie preview issue that included Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe on the cover.

Parnell brings life's lessons to GW's PR program

Ted McKenna September 01, 2008

As the son of two high school teachers - his mom taught English, his dad history - and, as of June 2008, the director of George Washington University's masters program in strategic PR, Larry Parnell likes to say, "Those who can, do; those who care, teach."

Brier makes things happen in the branding world

Jaimy Lee August 25, 2008

Noah Brier, a 26-year-old Web entrepreneur and marketer, launched a side project called Brand Tags on Friday, May 9, 2008. The site displays a logo - like Quaker or Pabst - and visitors use one word to describe the brand. For example, the Levi's brand is deemed "classic," "cool," or "American."

Zunner raises curtain on Ailey's 50th birthday

Tanya Lewis August 18, 2008

Christopher Zunner came to the Big Apple in 1983 from up-state New York for a two-month temp job helping Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) celebrate its 25th anniversary. He ended up staying for 25 years and counting, holding a variety of posts, including administrative assistant to Alvin Ailey. A quarter-century later, as AAADT celebrates its 50th birthday, Zunner serves as PR director.

McIntyre earns respect on both sides of the aisle

Frank Washkuch August 11, 2008

Bill McIntyre, former National Rifle Association (NRA) chief spokesperson and now EVP at DC-based Grassroots Enterprise, has plenty of experience making partisan arguments. Yet, while recently counseling a client, he argued to colleagues the benefits of reaching out to both sides of the political aisle in a public affairs campaign.

Anderson brings her passion to West Hollywood

Tanya Lewis August 04, 2008

West Hollywood has long been a leader in LGBT rights. Amy Anderson, communications director at the West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau (WHMVB), says the LGBT community was instrumental in founding the city in 1984. And when the California Supreme Court lifted the ban on same-sex marriage on May 15 of this year, Anderson helped to harness and shape publicity for the 1.9-square-mile city.

Imperato's vision spearheads evolution of C&W

Tanya Lewis July 28, 2008

The July 2 merger of WPP siblings Cohn & Wolfe (C&W) and GCI Group was what CEO Donna Imperato calls a "natural evolution" for both firms. It also marks a career evolution for Imperato, as she leads development of a new company that will integrate the strengths and cultures of both entities.

Lange makes sure PETA stays on top of the news

Tonya Garcia July 14, 2008

Lisa Lange's career in animal rights activism has come full circle.

Lopez places Ticketmaster's brand center stage

Kimberly Maul June 30, 2008

Albert Lopez was so busy upon his arrival at Ticketmaster in April, he didn't have time to announce his appointment as VP of strategic communications until more than a month later. His hire, along with that of Wendy Webb as SVP of strategic and financial communications, was part of the company's concerted plan to adopt a more strategic outreach approach.

Meyer brings diplomatic approach to Fleishman

Ted McKenna June 23, 2008

As British ambassador to the US during the run-up to the Iraq war, Sir Christopher Meyer led an embassy staff of more than 400 that interacted with US lawmakers, the media, and the business community in every imaginable sector.

Lofgren determined to see Kaiser's brand thrive

Jaimy Lee June 16, 2008

Diane Gage Lofgren joined Kaiser Permanente's communications team in 2006, a year that saw the healthcare provider in the news quite a bit. Its kidney transplant center in San Francisco was under fire for mismanagement. The company was also under scrutiny for possible patient dumping in LA. The attention was nearly always handled in a reactive way. But Lofgren, no stranger to healthcare PR, sought to add a big-picture perspective.

Effler's creativity gives Volvo a feeling of security

Nicole Zerillo June 09, 2008

Geno Effler truly enjoyed the episode of Desperate Housewives in which Susan Mayer (played by Teri Hatcher) crashed her old Volvo XC70 into a lake and survived to replace it with the newer 2008 model. Volvo's VP of public affairs, North America, had sat at the table with the TV producers, the product placement company, and other Volvo execs, and knew it was perfect for the car company's main brand platform: safety.

Palansky boosts the odds for poker's main event

Tanya Lewis June 02, 2008

Poker may not jump to mind as a spectator sport. However, the 39th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP), which began May 30, will draw more eyes than ever if Seth Palansky, director of communications, sports and entertainment, at Harrah's, which owns the event, has his way.

Walgenbach boosts MySpace's Bay Area profile

Aarti Shah May 26, 2008

Two weeks into her new job as communications manager at MySpace, Amy Walgenbach helped the company launch a feature intended to solve one of social networking's most discussed problems. The big project, which kicked off earlier this month, was MySpace's highly anticipated Data Availability feature that lets users move their data across the Web.

PRSA benefits from Murray's unique perspective

Rose Gordon May 19, 2008

With the PR industry awash in digital-mania, William Murray, president and COO of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), wants everyone to take a step back and assess which tech tools will actually help clients.

McLean's comms role at museum is a natural fit

Frank Washkuch May 12, 2008

When former NBC News international correspondent Charles McLean's phone rang recently, it was a recruitment agency manager asking for advice on hiring a seasoned communications chief for the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Zwilling shows faith in Archdiocese's outreach

Tonya Garcia May 05, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI'S visit last month marked only the fourth time a sitting pope has made a trip to New York. Joseph Zwilling, director of communications for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, had to make sense of the hysteria generated by the unique event.

Beck brings balance to US comms efforts in Iraq

Ted McKenna April 21, 2008

Handling a crisis is part of any PR pro's job. For Vic Beck, a captain in the US Navy reserves who is finishing a nearly year-long tour as head of media operations in Baghdad for the Multi-National Force - Iraq (MNF-I), crises are a 24-7 reality.

Feldman brings firm grasp to consulting world

Keith O'Brien April 14, 2008

Bob Feldman is not one to follow a predictable path. After an early career in the agency world - highlighted by eight years as CEO and president of GCI Group - he shifted to DreamWorks Animation as the company's first corporate communications head.

Williams gets creative with in-flight 'Pink' bash

Tanya Lewis April 07, 2008

Most adults hate the airport. Even if they're excited about a vacation, getting there is often tedious. But for a night, Air New Zealand tried to change that on its "Pink Flight" from San Francisco to Sydney in celebration of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Uniting spirit keys Harrington's rise at Edelman

Nicole Zerillo March 31, 2008

After 18 years of service at Edelman, Matthew Harrington will become US president and CEO, effective July 1.

Swivel's Hauser changes clients' PR experience

Aarti Shah March 24, 2008

Earlier this month, when CareerBuilder.com sought a new way to reach tomorrow's work force, it turned to Erik Hauser and his firm Swivel Media.

Nichols helps America discover Diageo's spirit

Matthew McGevna March 17, 2008

When Richard Nichols rings the closing bell on Wall Street this afternoon, it will complete a full year of his planning for the St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Lee grabs reins to help save NYRA franchise

Melanie Shortman Tuazon March 10, 2008

John Lee held the New York Racing Association's (NYRA) image together during a nail-biting race that went down to the wire.

Savage guides XBRL US into the mainstream

Tonya Garcia March 03, 2008

In Washington, a new language is being devised that will be spoken across US companies. The new lingo is Extensible Business Reporting Language, an XML data tag system that, while still adhering to US accounting principles, will set a standard for reporting financial information.

Eley's instincts help Animal Planet alter course

Adrian Brune February 25, 2008

When Brian Eley, a seasoned television PR pro, decided to make the jump from The Learning Channel to Animal Planet, he knew the job might throw him in the middle of the jungle - just not on the first day.

Card's White House years enrich F-H's counsel

Ted McKenna February 18, 2008

Few people outside Washington may know it, but Andy Card, who joined Fleishman-Hillard as a senior counselor late last year, was the man who whispered into President Bush's ear at a Florida elementary school on Sept. 11 that the World Trade Center had just been hit by an airplane.

Campanini helps Tenet survive 'perfect storm'

Marc Longpre February 11, 2008

Steve Campanini recalls his first dealings with Tenet Healthcare very well.

McCormack stays calm amid Macworld clamor

Tanya Lewis February 04, 2008

At 4pm on January 14, the first of more than 5,000 people started lining up outside San Francisco's Moscone Center to see Steve Jobs deliver the Macworld Conference & Expo keynote address at 9am the next morning.

Aguilera guides Finance Museum's new home

Michael Bush January 25, 2008

The dramatic nosedive of the economy in recent weeks has made it a priority issue for many voters in the US.

Thornton helps Unify to weather the storm

Aarti Shah January 21, 2008

Unify Corporation in 2000 became one of the earliest companies to be entangled in this decade's spate of accounting scandals. But the enterprise software firm stabilized by 2003 and last year posted its highest financials since the crisis.

TSA's Raimondo helps world ring in new year

Matthew McGevna January 14, 2008

Among the 1 million onlookers at Times Square who watched the Waterford Crystal Philips-lighted New Year's Eve ball slide down its mast stood Lori Raimondo, Chicago native and New York transplant.

Goldman gets the word out for striking writers

Hamilton Nolan December 17, 2007

On a frigid December afternoon, a group of around 100 writers trudged in a self-contained circle outside of HBO's headquarters on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan.

Carr helps broaden Hallmark Channel's view

Tonya Garcia December 10, 2007

Two major announcements were keeping Nancy Carr, SVP of corporate communications for the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, very busy of late. The Hallmark Channel just acquired three programs - I Love Lucy, Cheers, and 7th Heaven - adding to its list of popular "off-net" series.

Cohen feeds growing need with Caring.com

Randi Schmelzer November 28, 2007

Connecting with an untapped audience is the ultimate form of marketing success. Such is the goal for Andy Cohen, cofounder and CEO of Caring.com.

Necarsulmer extols Eastern Europe's potential

Ted McKenna November 26, 2007

Don't think the September acquisition by WPP Group of a 49.9% stake in the 115-person PBN Company means the Moscow-based firm will lose its independence, says founder, president, and CEO Peter Necarsulmer.

Scripps' Stanziano maintains cool under fire

Marc Longpre November 14, 2007

Don Stanziano's first clue that he was in for a very long Monday came the day before. The corporate PR director for Scripps Health recalls the weather being a little too perfect on October 21.

McConnell helps Airbus A380 story take flight

Tanya Lewis November 12, 2007

The October 25 maiden commercial flight of Airbus' A380 (operated by Singapore Airlines) attracted worldwide media attention.

Alliance's Hardwick savors prized opportunity

Michael Bush November 05, 2007

Like many people, Brian Hardwick, director of communications and development for the Alliance of Climate Protection, woke up last month to find that former Vice President Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for working to raise awareness about global warming.