 |
| Ben Berentson |
Stagwell appoints Ben Berentson as CEO, owned media. Berentson was most recently managing director at Stagwell’s Code and Theory. Before that, he spent over two decades at Condé Nast in roles including general manager at Vogue.com and executive director, editorial web strategy for the company. In his new role, Berentson will drive the operations, growth and expansion of Stagwell’s owned media portfolio including Ink, ReachTV, RealClearPolitics, and future initiatives, advancing the portfolio as a strategic business engine for the global network. “Berentson is a true professional with long-standing media experience, and his appointment will accelerate our push to scale differentiated media platforms with real market impact,” said Stagwell chairman and CEO Mark Penn.
 |
| Jenn Duggan |
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. Before joining Citizen Relations in 2018, she was a VP at Proof Strategies. At FUSE Create, she will be responsible for accelerating the growth of its PR division and raising the profile of its PR work. “Jenn brings exactly the kind of leadership we were looking for—strategic, empathetic and deeply experienced in building modern PR practices,” said FUSE Create CEO Stephen Brown.
 |
| Nicole Bell |
The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Richmond District names Nicole Bell communications manager. Bell previously served as VP of public relations for Smile Train, an organization that funds safe, local cleft care for children in need, leading global campaigns, managing crisis communications, serving as primary spokesperson and securing media coverage. In her new post, she will lead the district’s communications team and strategic outreach efforts. “Nicole is a proven communicator and trusted leader,” said Lezlie Ellis, VDOT’s Richmond District deputy administrator. “Her experience as a journalist and public relations executive uniquely positions her to lead our communications team with insight, integrity, and impact.”
Seven Letter hires Allie Raffa, who was most recently White House correspondent for NBC News, as a senior director... Points of Light, an organization founded by President George H.W. Bush that is dedicated to volunteer service, names Jeff Zanelli as CMO... Frontieras North America, an energy and environmental technology company, appoints Nora Shepard as VP of communications.
Alcoa has named Emily Olson, who has more than 20 years of experience working in capital-intensive industries in the Americas, Europe and Asia, EVP & chief external affairs officer, effective April 6.
Longacre Square Partners has named Humza Vanderman partner and head of its London outpost as the financial communications firm expands into Europe.
FGS Global adds former Pfizer EVP and chief corporate affairs officer Sally Susman to its global executive board as an independent member, effective April 1... Codeword brings on Kim Baffi, who was previously Salesforce VP and creative director, as executive creative director... Amperity, an AI-powered customer data cloud, appoints Bridget Perry as CMO.
MOIA America, a Volkswagen Group of America subsidiary that develops and tests autonomous, all-electric ride-pooling vehicles, names Marcus Gamo head of U.S. communications... Continental Strategy brings on Francisco Petrirena as VP in its Miami office. Petrirena was previously chief of staff to former Miami city manager Art Noriega... MSQ Sport + Entertainment brings on Lauren Weil as EVP, Max Hirsch as VP of sponsorship, and Brooke Losee as VP.
