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| (L-R) Jacqueline Kolek, Maggie O'Neill |
Peppercomm, a Ruder Finn Group company, promotes Jacqueline Kolek and Maggie O'Neill to the roles of managing directors, Ruder Finn, and co-presidents, Peppercomm. Peppercomm founder Steve Cody will now serve as senior executive advisor, a role in which he will collaborate across the firm to drive industry connection, brand-building and thought leadership. Kolek, who marks her 25th anniversary with Peppercomm in April, has led the agency's financial and professional services sector, in addition to serving as head of its Team Meridian specialty issues and crisis group. She will continue to drive the growth of new offerings, lead client engagements and oversee the firm's marketing and communications strategy and employee communications. O'Neill has been with Peppercomm for nearly 24 years and served as the firm's chief client officer. She has led its consumer and lifestyle sector, spanning home, auto, mobility and consumer tech, and spearheaded the launch of its Stakeholder Experience (SX) offering. In her new role, O’Neill will also oversee the firm’s finance, operations and new business processes. “As Peppercomm marks its 30th anniversary, I'm thrilled to be passing the baton to Jackie and Maggie,” said Cody. “Each has made countless contributions to Peppercomm over the decades and I'm confident they will take the firm in new and exciting directions.”
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| Kevin Vernimb |
ROKK Solutions hires Kevin Vernimb as marketing director. Vernimb comes to the agency from Marriott International, where he served as manager, brand marketing, premium and select brands. He was previously senior sales and marketing manager at a REQ, an Agital company. At ROKK, Vernimb will lead the firm’s external marketing efforts, playing a key role in shaping ROKK’s comprehensive strategy across paid, earned, shared and owned media. He will work with senior leadership to further position ROKK as the leading bipartisan public affairs firm in Washington. “We’re confident his combination of B2B and B2C marketing experience will help us spread the word in and outside Washington in innovative ways,” said ROKK Solutions co-founder and partner Ron Bonjean.
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| George Schoenstein |
LocaliQ, Gannett’s digital marketing solutions business, brings on George Schoenstein as SVP and CMO. Schoenstein most recently served as CMO at EverCo, a SaaS startup focused on AI solutions to enhance customer engagement, efficiency and retention. He was previously CMO at cloud communications provder Fusion Connect and has held senior marketing leadership positions at CompuCom, DXC Technology, and KPMG. At LocalQ, Schoenstein will spearhead the platform’s marketing initiatives and accelerate the company’s growth trajectory. “This role requires a spirited leader with a proven track record of fostering growth and ensuring valuable brand presence in the digital marketing industry, and George fits the bill,” said LocaliQ general manager Bill Scanlon.
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.
