The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism today named Golin CEO Fred Cook director of its strategic communications and PR center.
While continuing CEO responsibilities at the Interpublic property, the 66-year-old will become an Annenberg professor of PR studies, concentrating on innovation and leadership.
“This is the first time USC Annenberg has had an active CEO as center director,” Annenberg's Willow Bay said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have someone with Fred’s credentials and experience join our team."
Cook is eager to apply the experience that he gained from 30 years at Golin to Annenberg.
Since the publication of his book, "Improvise—Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO," Cook has been a fixture on the college lecture circuit.
The biography chronicles Cook's work experiences gained from jobs such as cabin boy on a Norwegian tanker, doorman at five-star hotel and chauffeur for drunks.
Al Golin, founder and chairman of the Chicago-based PR shop, said Cook has never accepted the "business as usual" approach to either work or life.
The Annenberg job provides Cook "another interesting challenge," said Golin.
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