Bates Becomes Hotwire CEO

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.

Burson promotes EMEA COO Matt Buchanan to global chief social and Influence officer, a newly created role... Seedtag, a “global neuro-contextual advertising company,” brings on former Edelman SVP, corporate and public affairs Brendan McCarthy as chief marketing & communications officer... The Associated Press ups Lauren Easton to SVP and chief communications officer.

USAA, which provides insurance, banking and retirement solutions for members of the US and their families, names Chris Curtin as CMO... Hemlo Mining, a Canadian gold producer, appoints Jason Banducci as VP, corporate development & investor relations... rbb Communications promotes four senior executives to SVP.  

LLYC names Federico Isuani AI strategy general director in the Americas, with Jesús Moradillo taking on the same role in Europe... DGA Group brings on Corry Jacobs as a partner. Jacobs comes to DGA from GSK, where she headed up the company’s Corporate Affairs for Business Strategy unit... MAD Global Strategy Group brings on Bridget McAuliffe as SVP in its Ohio office.

Pentagon veteran Tony Johnson, who has more than 30 years of defense and intelligence community experience, has joined Purposeful Advisors in Washington.