 Trey Watkins |
GCI Health has hired Trey Watkins as senior vice president and Margaret Shubny as executive vice president. Watkins comes to GCI from the Executive Office of the U.N., where he served as an advisor, focusing on health policy and strategic partnerships. He previously led advocacy effots for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership at the World Health Organization. In his new post, he will counsel with clients who are working to strengthen health systems, increase access to medicines and provide sustainable solutions to global health challenges. Shubny joins GCI from Golin, where she was executive director, healthcare. At GCI, she will be responsible for strategic insights, counsel and services for corporate communications to advance reputational value and market leadership, with an emphasis on access, value and pricing.
 Ivan Ross Vrána |
Hill + Knowlton Strategies has appointed Ivan Ross Vrána national director of its cannabis practice in Canada. Vrána, who came to H+K in 2015, most recently served as vice president – public affairs. His experience in the cannabis sector dates to his time with Health Canada, where he helped develop the Government of Canada's position regarding the use, production, distribution and regulation of cannabis for medical purposes. In his new position, Vrána will oversee the national integration and coordination of cannabis files, ensure seamless services for clients across regions and work to continue H+K’s innovation in building out sector-tailored public affairs, communications, marketing and research services.
 Meredith Schwinder |
Brownstein Group has brought on Meredith Schwinder as creative director and Minda Smiley as agency PR manager. In addition to freelancing with such agencies as McCann, Story Worldwide and Young & Rubicam, Schwinder has held creative positions at Connelly Partners and Terry & Sandy. Smiley comes to Brownstein Group from The Drum, where she covered the marketing and advertising industries. She has also written for Adweek and Advertising Age. The agency has also hired Andrew Acconzo as senior copywriter and Kira Jones and Tom Cristino as senior account execs.
Bastion appoints Jody Sowa as managing director, PR in the US, strengthening the company’s growing presence in Los Angeles and New York... The Davis Companies, a Boston-based real estate developer, appoints Andrea Simpson as EVP of creative, brand and communications... CBIZ, a professional services advisor, appoints Christopher Sikora as VP, investor relations and corporate finance.
Nick Clegg, who was global affairs president at Meta in a seven-year run, has joined London's Hiro Capital investment firm as a general partner.
Burson brings on Bruce Haynes, who served as global co-chairman of the crisis communications and issues management unit at FGS Global, as U.S. head of public affairs.
The Herald Group, a DC-based public affairs firm, brings on DDC Public Affairs SVP, creative director Brad Whitford as chief creative officer... Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute hires former Mastercard VP of marketing Dana Bodine as its first CMO... Reinsurance Group of America, a life and health reinsurer, appoints Ryan Krueger as SVP, investor relations, effective Jan. 5, 2026.
Edelman has named Anna Vogt, who is EMEA chief strategy officer at VML, as its
