Ron DeFeo, who oversaw corporate communications for Darden Restaurants, is moving to American Airlines Group as VP of global communications.
He takes a role vacated by the retirement of Jon McDonald in December at AAG, the Fort Worth, Tex.-based parent to American Airlines and US Airways.
Prior to his recent stint as SVP of comms. for Darden, owner of Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhose and Bahama Breeze, among other chains, he led media relations and brand strategies for The Home Depot and worked the account side at Ketchum.
DeFeo reports to Elise Eberwein, a US Airways vet who is EVP of people and communications for AAG. His purview includes social media, media relations, employee comms., creative services and community relations.
Business leaders will face challenges in the upcoming year, some of which will come as a complete surprise, or beyond anyone's imagination.
Teneo has hired Philipp Grontzki, who is a 20-year veteran of corporate communications and financial journalism, as a managing director in its strategy and communications group.
Rowan Benecke, who co-founded Zeno Group and helmed Burson-Marsteller's tech practice, has joined McKinsey & Co as director of communications for North America.
BCW has named Golin's Matt Coldagelli EVP and leader of its corporate affairs practice in Chicago.
Abby Bailey, who headed corporate communications for Fedex in its Middle East, India and Africa region, has joined Teneo as managing director in Dubai.
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