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| Michelle Russo |
State Farm names U.S. Chamber of Commerce chief communications and marketing officer Michelle Russo as CCO, a newly created role. At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Russo led efforts across brand, media, digital and thought leadership. Before that, she was head of global communications at Discovery, leading crisis response during pivotal global events, as well as overseeing communications and public affairs strategy for the company’s entry into the Olympic Games. At State Farm, Russo will lead the communications strategy, integrating corporate, brand, internal and agency communications to support the strategic priorities and cultural evolution of the company. “Michelle’s leadership will help us communicate with greater clarity, purpose and impact,” said State Farm CEO Jon Farney.
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| Spencer Tait |
Avenue Z brings on former Prosek Partners associate VP Spencer Tait as an associate director in its New York office. Tait was most recently at IT services and consulting firm FIS, where he built strategies for capital markets and led international campaign strategies. At Prosek, he worked with private equity, private credit, traditional asset management and fintech firms. In his new post, he will help to lead PR strategies for Avenue Z’s fintech and finance clients. "Spencer’s track record in financial services and fintech speaks for itself. As we scale our impact across this sector, his strategic insight and media instincts will help our clients define the conversation,” said Avenue Z New York VP and managing director Libbie Wilcox.
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| Melissa Fry |
Twin Peaks Hospitality Group, parent company of the Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones restaurant chains, hires Melissa Fry as CMO. Fry most recently served as senior director of marketing for Hooters of America, where she spearheaded comprehensive marketing initiatives spanning national media campaigns, digital transformation, influencer partnerships, targeted local store marketing and experiential activations. She was previously manager of events, promotions & VIP marketing at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. In her new role, Fry work to amplify the Twin Hospitality’s brand awareness, enhance guest engagement and drive measurable growth across its marketing portfolio. “Melissa brings unparalleled experience in experiential dining,” said Twin Hospitality Group CEO Kim Boerema.
The Estée Lauder Companies names Madeleine Boyd SVP, global brand communications. Most recently, she served as global SVP, beauty & wellness at Together Group... Cohen & Steers, a global investment manager specializing in real assets and alternative income, names Erik Schneberger as EVP, chief marketing officer... CooperVision, a contact lens company, brings on former Bayer VP Brenda Raphael as VO of marketing, Americas.
Edelman names United Entertainment Group CEO Jarrod Moses as vice chairman. Moses will continue in his role at UEG... Burson brings on Matthew Wagner, who was most recently global client relationship manager and energy sector lead at Edelman, as EVP and global client leader... The Key PR appoints Jodi Maroney as principal. Maroney joins the agency after a 25-year run at Access Brand Communications.
Jeffrey Rosen, senior chair of the corporate department at legal firm Debevoise & Plimpton, joins FGS Global, where he will serve as senior advisor.
HUNTER brings on Lori Ruggiero as managing director of its corporate communications practice... Covo Intelligence, an independent research and intelligence firm, names Tony Cheevers director of strategic growth... MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) hires Brian Swarth as SVP of marketing, effective July 20. 
Whit Clay, who exited the Co-CEO slot at Sloane & Co. 18 months ago to head Longacre Square Partners’ New York office, has been promoted to serve as the first CEO of the financial communication shop.
