 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.
Former deputy undersecretary of agriculture Darci Vetter joins berry producer Driscoll's as VP, public affairs.
INFINITE appoints Eric Wiedeke as head of talent, a newly created position intended to strengthen the firm’s people strategy and global growth ambitions... Anomaly promotes Kira Montgomery to executive strategy director, head of communications strategy, expanding her remit from the agency’s Toronto office to its full North American business... The Jackson Laboratory, which focuses on genetics and genomic medicine, appoints Steven Holstein as SVP of external affairs.
Global Counsel managing director Benedict Brogan is joining FTI Consulting as a senior managing director within its strategic communications segment.
Lionsgate, which brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, promotes Laurel Pecchia to SVP, corporate communications... Anonymous Content, a New York-based film production and management company, recruits former Showtime/MTV executive vice president Liza Burnett Fefferman as chief communications and marketing officer, a newly created position... Legacy Motor Club brings on Ryan Grab as VP, marketing and communications.
Stagwell has named Lena Petersen, a veteran of MediaLink, Starcom MediaVest and Leo Burnett, chief brand and communications officer.
