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| Ya-Qin Zhang |
WPP has named Dr. Ya-Qin Zhang to its board as a non-executive director, effective Jan. 1. Zhang, who was recently appointed chair professor of AI Science at Tsinghua University, was president of Baidu Inc., a global internet services and AI company based in Beijing, from 2014 to 2019. He previously held several executive positions at Microsoft in both the US and China, including corporate vice president, chairman of Microsoft China, managing director of Microsoft Research Asia and chairman of the Microsoft Asia R&D group. “With his diverse career experience which included leadership roles at both US and Chinese companies, and his particular understanding of the changing consumer technology landscape within China, he will make an extremely valuable contribution to the WPP Board,” said WPP chairman Roberto Quarta.
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| John Lichtenberg |
Clinc, which provides conversational artificial intelligence technologies, has hired John Lichtenberg as chief marketing officer, effective immediately. Lichtenberg joins Clinc from luxury art dealer Park West Gallery, where he was vice president of marketing. He has also served as CMO for Fuel Leadership, a leadership development company, and Learning Care Group, a child-care provider. At Clinc, Lichtenberg will develop and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy, spanning brand management, digital marketing, and public relations initiatives. “His impressive background and wealth of expertise will be an invaluable asset as we continue to grow,” said Clinc CEO Jon Newhard.
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| Ceci Dadisman |
Cleveland-based real estate startup FlashHouse has hired Ceci Dadisman as marketing director. Dadisman was previously digital marketing director at FORM, president at marketing and advertising firm Cardinal + Company, and director of communications at the Palm Beach Opera. At FlashHouse, she will oversee the strategic planning, development and execution of marketing, public relations and advertising efforts for the company. “Her integrated marketing experience and skillset around modern, tangible marketing methods will allow us to further capitalize on the strength of the FlashHouse brand as we continue to innovate and grow,” said FlashHouse co-founder Stephen London.
LaVoieHealthScience promotes Lisa DeScenza to president... Buffalo Groupe, which works with golf, hospitality and real estate brands, ups Glenn Gray to chief growth officer.... Marketbridge, a Bethesda, MD-based marketing consultant, names Mike Swartz chief growth officer and Ellie Ahmadi as SVP of global corporate marketing.
The Ladies Professional Golf Association names Chad Coleman CMO, effective Feb. 3. Coleman was most recently chief brand officer at YouTube channel Dude Perfect... Strategic Objectives promotes Sadie Tory and Saul Lewis to VP... Signal Group ups Scott Lusk and Jess McCarron to managing directors.
The Walt Disney Company names Asad Ayaz to lead its newly established enterprise marketing and brand organization... Kaiser Permanente, which provides integrated healthcare services, is bringing on Beth Leonard as SVP and chief public affairs officer, effective Feb. 2. Leonard was most recently chief corporate affairs officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance... AIC Hotel Group, which operates such brands as Nobu Hotels, Hard Rock Hotels, AVA Resort and Spa and the UNICO Collection, hires Delia Osegueda as VP, global partnerships.
Sarah Knakmuhs, who formerly led H/Advisors Abernathy’s DC office, is joining the Financial Services Forum as chief communications and strategy officer.
Brian Hughes, chief of staff at NASA, has joined Mercury Public Affairs as a partner in its Tallahassee office.
