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| Claire Burghoff |
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, a technology, products, system and software company, hires Claire Burghoff as VP of government affairs & corporate communications. Burghoff was most recently a principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs, where her corporate, association and nonprofit clients included Kratos. In her new position, she will lead corporate communications and support the company's strategic initiatives in government affairs. “Her proven track record and intimate knowledge of Kratos make her an invaluable addition as we navigate through dynamic market landscapes, further strengthen our relationships with key stakeholders, and execute our mission of delivering value to the warfighter and supporting national security,” said Kratos Defense president and CEO Eric DeMarco.
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| Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek |
International Data Group, a market intelligence and data company, names former IBM Watson CMO Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek as chief marketing officer. Boockoff-Bajdek joins the company from Skillsoft, a provider of corporate digital learning, where she served as both CMO and chief sustainability officer. She has also served as VP, marketing at The Weather Company. In her new post, Boockoff-Bajdek will oversee IDC’s global marketing strategy with a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving growth by leveraging the power of the IDC and Foundry brands. “Her leadership as a brand evangelist, customer advocate and go-to-market expert will be fundamental to IDG's growth," said IDC chief executive officer Genevieve Juillard. "Her experience leading global marketing functions for iconic technology brands gives her a deep understanding of our customers’ needs."
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| Emily Pachuta |
Ascensus, which provides a range of tax-advantaged savings programs, brings on Emily Pachuta as CMO. Pachuta joins the company from Invesco, where she most recently served as chief marketing & analytics officer. Previously, she served as managing director, U.S. Retail & iShares Marketing for BlackRock and head of client marketing & investor insights as a member of UBS' Wealth Management Americas business. At Ascensus, Pachuta will be responsible for the firm's digital, marketing and analytics capabilities. "She understands the importance of fostering emotional connections with a brand and delivering increasingly positive experiences for the clients we serve,” said Ascensus President Nick Good.




Ballard Partners names former Burson managing director Mike Waterman as MD. Waterman comes to Ballard from ROKK Solutions... The Herald Group brings on Trace Scruggs and Evan Lukaske as VPs... Travelier, which operates platforms for booking intercity transportation services via buses, trains and ferries in 124 countries, appoints Mario Gavira as CMO.
Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications brings on Jessica Gail, who served as director of communications for Rep. Eric Swalwell, as senior media lead... Prime Therapeutics appoints Katie Payne as chief external affairs officer, a newly created role. She was previously a senior director at APCO... Thunderly promotes Jason Weaver to director of paid media.
Ruder Finn hires Brent Mullins as SVP, talent and partnerships. Mullins joins the agency from 160over90, where he was VP, entertainment marketing... Allison Worldwide names Katie Huang Shin global president, technology, effective Nov. 14... Vasion, which provides serverless printing and AI-enabled automation, appoints Cindy White as CMO.
Mod Op brings on John Powers and Alan Kipust as part of its Executive in Residence program, which already includes former Dun & Bradstreet chief data officer Monica Richter... Takeda Pharmaceuticals hires James-Denton Wyllie as head of R&D and external innovation communications... Veeam Software, which specializes in data resilience solutions, appoints Allison Cerra as CMO.
The Dallas Mavericks bring on Gina Miller as chief communications officer, a newly created role. She was previously with Major League Soccer team FC Dallas... Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization that advances arts advocacy, names Jamey Lundblad as CMO... Ambac Financial Group, an insurance holding company, names Karen Beyer managing director, head of investor relations.



