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| James Townsend |
Stagwell appoints James Townsend, currently the global CEO of Assembly and Stagwell's Brand Performance Network, as the company’s inaugural CEO of EMEA, effective Jan. 1. Townsend will be based in Stagwell’s new global hub in London, which is scheduled to open in late January. Before joining Assembly in 2019, he was CEO at 360iEurope and managing director at Fallon London. In his new post, he will support the growth of Stagwell's 16 agency brands in the region. Taking over for Townsend at Assembly is current COO Rick Acampora. “JT has been an invaluable network leader, overseeing the combination of ForwardPMX into Assembly, and then the launch and market success of our Brand Performance Network, which has more than doubled under his leadership," said Stagwell chairman and CEO Mark Penn.
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| Jessica Lawrence-Vaca |
Array Technologies, which provides tracker solutions and services for utility-scale solar energy projects, names Jessica Lawrence-Vaca SVP, policy and external affairs. Lawrence-Vaca joins the company from solar energy company SOLV Energy, where as VP of government affairs she led a team to develop federal, state and regulatory advocacy and communications strategies. She has also served as president of JLV Strategies and a VP at the Podesta Group. In her new post, Lawrence-Vaca will oversee all aspects of engagement with government officials to shape policy, drive brand awareness to propel growth and execute Array’s sustainability strategy. She will also play a critical role in expanding Array’s involvement with trade associations and industry partners worldwide. “Jessica’s proven track record of delivering impactful results through tailored advocacy and business- driven communication strategies brings a unique blend of collaboration and coalition-building skills to our leadership team,” said Array CEO Kevin G. Hostetler.
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| Alison Hammer |
Crosby Marketing Communications hires Alison Hammer as SVP. Hammer was most recently a senior VP Creative Director in FCB’s Chicago office, leading creative work for Cox Business, NextEra Energy, and Prestige Healthcare. Her career also includes stints at agencies including OKRP, Mullen and MARC USA.In her new post, Hammer will help lead Crosby creative teams in developing campaigns for health care organizations, federal agencies and nonprofit causes. “Her outstanding creative talent and leadership skills will play an important role in helping our clients achieve their business and social impact objectives, while driving our firm’s continued growth,” said Crosby CEO & president Raymond Crosby.
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.
Carrie Healey has joined the National Association of Broadcasters as VP communications. Most recently, she was program lead at Purple Strategies.
HAVAS Red names Adeena Fried EVP health & wellness, based in New York... Genius Sports Limited, a provider of real-time sports data, names Tony Marlow as CMO... Deerfield Group, which works with clients in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, promotes Bill Veltre to chief media officer... The Public Affairs Council brings on Monica Day as senior manager in its political affairs practice, Deanna Wisniewski as senior manager of communications and Sam Kasner as manager of events. 
Imre names Paulina De la Riva chief strategy officer. De la Riva joins the agency from Ogilvy Health, where she most recently served as EVP, strategy for North America... FNK IR, a strategic investor relations firm focused on smaller cap companies, brings on Greg McKinley as director, investor relations... Bear Icebox Communications, a Chicago-based firm, promotes Sean Wille to VP, strategy + operations... Abode Worldwide, a specialist firmthat works across hotels, short-term rentals and the wider serviced living sectors, appoints Kerry Wilson as chief operating officer.
