Gemma Bakx
Gemma Bakx

LaVoieHealthScience appoints Gemma Bakx as senior vice president of investor relations and financial communications. Bakx was most recently a senior director at Better Capital First. She has also served as vice president of investor relations at Corbin Advisors and Makinson Cowell. Bakx will partner with both the LHS investor relations team and those of its clients on integrated communications, reporting in to LHS president and CEO Donna L. LaVoie. “Addding a senior investor relations and financial communications executive with extensive experience in leading teams and counseling clients on 21st century issues, including ESG and sustainability, investor perception and targeting, is critical to the evolution of our client base,” said LaVoie.

Sara Nelson
Sara Nelson

Vantage Leadership Consulting names Sara Nelson director of marketing. Most recently, Nelson ran her own consultancy, serving as a marketing adviser to nonprofit organizations, small businesses and entrepreneurs. Before that she was chief marketing officer at wealth management firm Mercer Advisors. In her new role, Nelson is responsible for all marketing initiatives, communications, and public relations. She also assists Vantage’s partners and consultants with business development efforts, enhancing the client experience and introducing new services to the market.

Arielle Sobel
Arielle Sobel

21Shares, a provider of crypto exchange traded products backed by Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood, has appointed Arielle Sobel as its first head of communications. Sobel was most recently director of communications at financial advisory company Betterment. Before that, she was an account executive at Hill+Knowlton Strategies. At 21Shares, Sobel leads communications and PR efforts globally as the firm continues expanding to new markets and geographies. In the past four years, 21Shares has increased its assets under management from $25 million to $2.5 billion.

ZIpporah Allen
Zipporah Allen

Strava, a social platform for athletes, names Zipporah Allen CMO. Prior to joining Strava, Allen was chief digital officer at Taco Bell, where she was responsible for transforming the brand’s customer experience via its digital products. She was previously CMO for Pizza Hut. At Strava, Allen will be responsible for overseeing the platform’s marketing and communications organizations. "Zip's experience leading marketing organizations at culture-driven global brands, paired with her passion for creating magnetic digital experiences make her an invaluable addition to the Strava leadership team," said Strava CEO Michael Horvath.