People on the Move

Amanda Pierce

Philip Morris International has brought on Amanda Pierce as head of communications in the UK. Pierce comes to Philip Morris after nine years at Burson-Marsteller, most recently as UK CEO. Before that, she was head of PR & internal communications at McDonald’s UK. In her new post, Pierce’s duties will include overseeing external communications, corporate social responsibility and stakeholder engagement. Her hire comes as Philip Morris is turning its focus away from cigarettes to such products as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. Philip Morris appointed former Havas PR North America Marian Salzman as SVP of communication in April.

Tanvir Hannan

Weber Shandwick has bolstered leadership of The X Practice, the new agency model that combines its innovation and technology-focused capabilities, with the addition of four new executives. Tanvir Hannan joins the practice as executive VP and global head of analytics operations. He was formerly the head of conversations at Horizon Media. Spencer Ante is coming on as executive VP of digital content and editorial strategy, serving as content lead for The X Practice across North America. He was previously senior VP & editorial director at Edelman. Katie Krum, formerly senior director, content & engagement at Under Armour, joins as senior VP of integrated media strategy and digital lead for Weber Shandwick’s South region (Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Dallas). Vince Koh, formerly VP, eCommerce|direct to consumer at Iconix Brand Group, joins as senior VP of commerce and conversion.

Larry Gottlieb

Nicholas & Lence Communications has hired Larry Gottlieb in the newly created dual role of chief strategy officer and senior VP, business development. Gottlieb comes to NLC after spending five years as president & CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. Before that, he was director of economic development for Westchester County and previously served as managing director and market leader, PA at Burson-Marsteller. In his new position, Gottlieb will concentrate on expanding NLC’s strategic communications and government affairs advisory capabilities to support the firm’s client base, while applying his economic development skills to increasing NLC’s topline growth through outreach efforts.

Roberto "Bob" Nelson

The Issue Management Council has named Roberto “Bob” Nelson as chair, Amanda Higgins as treasurer, and Lee Anderson, Gwen Happ and Nancy Pattarini as board members. Nelson is senior manager, corporate communications & community relations at BASF Corporation. His remit also includes crisis communication, media relations and leading the BASF science education team. Higgins is executive director of issues management and brand reputation at Kaiser Permanente. She oversees national issues and crisis management functions. Anderson is director, global issues management & PA, General Mills; Happ is issues, collaboration and engagement manager at Colorado Springs Utilities; and Pattarini is president and CEO of marketing and communications consulting firm The Paige Group. The Issues Management Council is the professional membership organization for corporate issue managers.

Charles Mayer

The Brandware Group, which offers brand and market research, public relations, social media and digital media solutions, has named Charles Mayer chief operating officer. The new position is based at the agency’s Atlanta headquarters. Mayer comes to Brandware from the Oklahoman Media Company, where he was vice president, marketing. He has also led brand strategy, marketing and communications for such aviation and automotive brands as Hawker Beechcraft, Ferrari, Maserati and Jaguar Land Rover. At Brandware, he will lead all agency operations, including business and service development, agency marketing and client brand and creative strategy.