Conor Nash
Conor Nash

Ketchum appoints Conor Nash as global chief financial officer and COO. Nash was most recently Ogilvy's COO in North America. He has also held executive positions at other WPP units including EightBar, Townhouse and Grey Group. In his new role, Nash will be responsible for driving growth for Ketchum, both operationally and financially. "Conor's stellar background and deep professional experience will have a profound impact on Ketchum and our overall business strategy,” said Ketchum president and CEO Mike Doyle.

Racepoint
Ben Haber, Laura Smith

Racepoint Global promotes Ben Haber and Laura Smith to EVPs, client services. Haber and Smith were both previously SVPs at the firm. Haber and Smith join Carolyn Regan (who has been promoted to EVP and chief people officer), CFO Phil Chadwick, and agency president Bob Osmond on RPG’s executive leadership team. “As client and team leaders, Ben and Laura exemplify the talents necessary to build authentic brands and create the interactions decision makers and buyers crave,” said Bob Osmond. RPG has also promoted Stacey Forman to SVP, agency operations.

Alex Johnson
Alex Johnson

Bryson Gillette, the strategic communications, public affairs and political firm founded by Obama administration deputy press secretary Bill Burton, hires Alex Johnson as vice president, California. Johnson was most recently chief of staff at the California Wellness Foundation. He was previously managing director of Californians for Safety and Justice and executive director at Children’s Defense Fund—California. The agency also recently brought on Elsa Avarado, who previously worked as a strategic communications director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, as director, public affairs.