People on the Move

Paul Welsh

National Public Relations has named Paul Welsh as managing partner of its Vancouver office and Glen Edwards as senior VP, client strategy, also based in Vancouver. Welsh replaces Zdenka Buric, who has retired. He comes to National PR from Edelman Canada, where he served as chief commercial officer from 2013-2016. Edwards, a former contributing senior editor and feature writer for Business in Vancouver, also has extensive financial communications experience in the natural resources sector. "Paul and Glen's appointments not only ensure National continues its strong corporate communications and public affairs offering to clients, but strengthens our ability to be our clients' trusted source for services including brand development, marketing and content development across all channels,” said Jean-Pierre Vasseur, president and CEO of Res Publica Consulting Group, parent company to National PR.

Guy Taylor

Paragon Public Relations has appointed Guy Taylor global director of public relations. Taylor comes to Paragon after working nine years at ICAP (now NEX Group), where he was responsible for communications and public relations duties in the Americas for the group’s electronic, hybrid and voice trading systems, post-trade groups, market data and other units. Before that, he was director of public relations at the New York Board of Trade. In his new position, Guy will be responsible for client relationship management, PR strategy and execution, and new business development. “His leadership will be critical to driving continued growth, but more importantly to providing unmatched support to our global client base,” said Simon Hylson-Smith, CEO and founder of Paragon PR.

Elysa Nelson

Pierpont Communications has promoted Elysa Nelson to vice president. Prior to joining Pierpont, Nelson was manager of corporate services communications and public relations at Fidelity Investments. She has also held positions at the Dallas Museum of Art and the National Center for Policy Analysis. Based in Houston and leading work throughout Texas, Nelson will continue to support the firm’s engagements with such clients as NRG, Reliant, LyondellBasell, Opportune and Petrobras. “Her experience across both the corporate and agency side, as well as many different industries, makes her a valued partner for clients and a strong asset for Pierpont’s leadership team,” said Pierpont Communications chief operating officer Clint Woods.

Nina Velasquez

North 6^th Agency has upped Nina Velasquez to senior vice president of talent development. Velasquez joined N6A as an account director in 2012, and was subsequently promoted to vice president and senior vice president. Her new role will include oversight of recruiting, culture, internal training, professional development, marketing and customer service best practice initiatives across N6A's offices in New York City and Toronto. "Nina has been with N6A since our early days, and has been an exemplary leader at every step of the way," said Matt Rizzetta, CEO of N6A.