 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.”
FTI Consulting appoints Jason Leow as a senior managing director in its strategic communications segment. He was vice chair and head of APAC at Edelman Smithfield... Ballard Partners is bringing on Tucker Knott, who currently serves as chief of staff to Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), as a partner in DC.... TMRW Sports, a sports media company founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and former NBC Sports Group president, golf and global strategy Mike McCarley, names Peter Jung as CMO.
Ripley PR realigns its leadership team with the promotion of Anthony Cloud to managing director, B2C and franchising, and a new role for Grayson Shockley as managing director, B2B. Cloud, who joined Ripley PR in October 2020, has held multiple roles within the agency, including brand manager and content specialist... Walker Sands adds former Havas Digital global CEO and chairman George Gallate to its board of directors... Stewards, a diversified financial company based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, appoints Scott McGowan as CMO.
Kevin Lawlor, who most recently served as chief political officer and EVP at DDC Public Affairs, is coming on board at Zeno Group as head of public affairs.
Former Ketchum partner Esty Pujadas joins Grayling as CEO of its North America business, part of the agency’s expansion in the region.
Marketbridge brings on Bob Ray as CEO. Ray was previously CEO, head of B2B agency services at Merkle, part of the Dentsu Group... Rasky Partners promotes Andy Hoglund and Graham Shalgian to partner... IGB Group, an investor relations, capital markets, and strategic communications advisory firm, appoints Charlotte Burch as a managing director.
