 Mandy Jenkins |
Storyful, a social media insights and content company owned by News Corp, has named Mandy Jenkins editor-in-chief. Jenkins, who has been serving as head of news for the company, will be tasked with expanding its research and verification services. Before coming to Storyful, she held executive positions at Digital First Media, The Huffington Post and the Cincinnati Enquirer. She is also on the board of directors of the Online News Association. “Mandy Jenkins has been a vital member of the Storyful team and we are thrilled to grow her role in the organization, especially as we continue to evolve into a world-class social newsroom,” said Storyful CEO Sharb Farjami.
 James Smith |
Albany, NY-based Baker Public Relations has brought on James Smith as vice president. Smith most recently served as VP at Corning Place Communications, working with a broad range of clients, including those in the public protection, education, energy and business sectors. He has also held PR positions with Albany Medical Center, Special Olympics New York and New York Independent System Operator. Smith’s career began as a writer and columnist for The Saratogian, and he was also business editor of The Record. “With the hiring of Jim, we will continue our focus on delivering clients hands-on account management, professionalism and exceptional results. Jim fits our culture perfectly and will offer tremendous value to our clients and play an integral role in the future success of the firm,” said Baker Public Relations president and CEO Megan Baker.
 Ashley Barna |
Washington, DC-based RepEquity has hired Ashley Barna as vp of digital advertising and search engine optimization. Barna comes to RepEquity from Sabre Hospitality Solutions, where she was director of search engine marketing, working with global brands in hospitality, hotel, tourism, real estate, and airlines. She will report directly to RepEquity’s CEO and founder, Tripp Donnelly. “Ashley brings both proven leadership and enterprise-class experience to this new role,” said Donnelly. “Her background in recruiting, training, and building teams in fast-growth environments makes her perfectly suited to lead our award-winning digital advertising and search marketing teams.”
Greg Honan, who worked in the Biden White House as director of message planning and chief of staff for its office of communications, is joining public affairs firm Seven Letter as a managing director.
David Bassity, who was VP for football communications for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, will join the Big Ten Conference on July 20.
BPCM brings on former Prada SVP marketing & communications Christian Langbein as its EVP of growth and strategy, a newly created role... MikeWorldWide names Joseph Sorrentino as its first chief intelligence officer. Sorrentino joins from Weber Shandwick, where he was EVP, analytics & intelligence... Pacers Sports & Entertainment, which operates the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and WNBA’s Indiana Fever, hires Kieran Donahue as EVP and CMO. Donahue has served as chief marketing officer at IHOP and VP, brand, marketing & digital for the Americas at Marriott... Ballast Rock Asset Management, a diversified alternative investment manager, appoints Michael Welch as head of investor relations and capital formation.
Renault Group brings on Paul Michon as corporate communications director, effective Sept. 1. He joins from Kering, the luxury goods marketer.
SKDK makes Loren Riegelhaupt, Michael Czin and Julie Andreeff Jensen agency partners... Coca-Cola Company promotes Gary McElyea to lead its pan-European Public Policy & Government Affairs agenda, and Sophia Chrysopoulou to serve as head of EU public affairs... Rithum, a commerce solutions provider, appoints Kim Miller as CMO and head of global strategy. 
