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| Felice Tobin |
Cognito, which specializes in finance, technology and climate transition, appoints Felice Tobin managing director of its New York business. Tobin succeeds Andrew Marshall, who has joined Pitchr.ai, a consultancy founded by former Cognito SVP Sam Barber. She has been with the agency since 2020, most recently serving as general manager for Cognito Asia and managing director of its Hong Kong office. Her focus is on media strategy, C-suite advisory, multi-market reputation management and thought leadership. Before joining Cognito, Tobin worked in sales at international payments provider OFX and was part of the financial & risk PR team at Thomson Reuters. “Felice is a seasoned leader who brings robust counsel, strategy and execution to our clients at a crucial time in our industry,” said Cognito CEO Tom Coombes, who added that she “brings operational expertise and a track record of developing high performing teams.”
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| Steve Gilbert |
Spectrio, a company that provides digital signage, interactive kiosks, audience measurement and in-store media, brings on Steve Gilbert as VP of marketing. Gilbert was most recently CEO and owner of Fractional Marketing Factory, which works with SaaS platforms, media companies and venture-backed startups. He has also held senior leadership roles at CivicPlus, SHI, Logitech, Lenovo and Dell. At Spectrio, Gilbert will oversee brand strategy, demand generation, and growth initiatives as the company scales its platform and expands its market presence. “Steve brings a strong combination of strategic rigor, operational discipline, and hands-on experience with AI and analytics. His leadership will help us scale our marketing engine while staying focused on customer value and performance,” said Spectrio CEO Tamara Bebb.
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| Marc Paulenich |
Hart, a Toledo, OH-based brand transformation agency, promotes Marc Paulenich from president to CEO. Paulenich succeeds Mike Hart, who will transition from CEO into the role of executive chairman. In addition to serving as Hart’s president, Paulenich has held the roles of chief operating officer and SVP of strategy. He has worked to strengthen the firm’s integration across disciplines and position it for sustained independent growth. “Marc brings clarity, momentum and the all-important ability to turn strategy into action,” said Mike Hart. “He understands how to move brands – and organizations – forward and is a truly great leader internally.”
The J.M. Smucker Co. names Katie Williams CMO, effective March 9... Jones Lang LaSalle, a professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management, appoints Mencía Barreiros as head of communications... Hub International Limited, a global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, appoints Sue Lee as SVP of investor relations, a newly created role.
Stagwell appoints Ben Berentson as CEO, owned media. Berentson was most recently managing director at Stagwell’s Code and Theory... FUSE Create, a Toronto-based advertising agency, brings on Jenn Duggan as SVP, managing director, PR. Duggan joins the agency from Citizen Relations, where she most recently served as president... The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Richmond District names Nicole Bell communications manager. Bell previously served as VP of public relations for Smile Train.
Sanctuary Wealth, a platform that provides comprehensive money management solutions, names Marissa Fox-Foley as CMO... GMMB promotes Jodi Quintero and Erica Monteith to partner... Furia Rubel Communications adds presentation strategist Valerie Madamba and law firm leader Meghan Warren to its international faculty.
Paramount Skydance has named Ted Lehman, senior VP and head of US public policy and government affairs.
Mairead Lynn, who served as communications director for former Pennsylvania Democratic Senator Bob Casey, joins Frontwood Strategies as a principal.
