Joel Curran
Joel Curran

The University of Southern California hires Joel Curran, a former managing director at MSLGROUP, as SVP and CCO, effective July 10. Curran is currently VP of PA and communications at Notre Dame and before that he was vice chancellor of communications at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In his new role, Curran will promote USC’s researchers, students and faculty in addition to driving engagement between the university, the Los Angeles community and the world. “In Joel Curran, we have a nationally respected higher education communications innovator,” said USC president Carol Folt. Curran worked for Folt when he was at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Matthews
Allison Matthews,
Jenna Matthews

Comsint brings on Allison Matthews and Jenna Matthews (the two are not related) as executive VPs. Allison Matthews joins the agency from FleishmanHillard, where she was a senior vice president. She was previously a VP at Weber Shandwick and has also worked at Ketchum. Jenna Matthews was most recently a senior VP at Weber Shandwick and was previously at MSLGROUP. “Both bring deep experience in strategy and media relations across the consumer, corporate, food, healthcare, and tech sectors. They are the perfect additions to our team,” said Comsint president and founder Nick Puleo.

Benal Serin
Benal Serin

The Wonderful Company, which sells a range of products including fruits, nuts, flowers, water, wines and juices, hires former Revlon VP of marketing Benal Serin as senior VP of marketing, starting in mid-June. Serin was most recently CMO at Profectus Beauty. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading all marketing efforts in Wonderful’s product portfolio, working to build brand growth strategies and drive customer engagement, as well overseeing flavor innovation. “Benal is an exceptional leader with a strong track record of success,” said Wonderful Company president of advertising and corporate communications Michael Perdigao.