Weber Shandwick has named Marianna Ruiz as Chief Creative Officer of Creative Growth for North America, a newly established role within the agency. Ruiz, who will begin her tenure in September, will report to Robyn Adelson, Chief Strategy Officer for North America. In her new role, Ruiz will lead creative efforts tied to new business development and foster stronger relationships with both new and existing clients, aiming to elevate the quality of work and unlock new creative opportunities.Ruiz's immediate focus will be on connecting with her team, understanding their capabilities, and helping them enhance their skills. She also plans to unify the creative department across different regions, driving revenue growth and improving the quality of work across the network.Ruiz joins Weber Shandwick from Edelman, where she served as Executive Creative Director. Her previous roles include creative leadership positions at Havas and FCB Global.In addition to Ruiz?ÇÖs appointment, Weber Shandwick has promoted Jeff Immel, a 14-year veteran of the firm, to Chief Creative Officer for Chicago. Immel, who will report to Sheila Mulligan, Central Region President, previously served as Executive Creative Director. There are no plans to replace his former role. Immel has led award-winning campaigns, including the Cannes Lions Grand Prix-winning Pop-Tarts Edible Mascot campaign, and he will continue to oversee the firm?ÇÖs creative work for Kellanova.Weber Shandwick is part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, which also includes several other leading firms. Last month, Gail Heimann, CEO of The Weber Shandwick Collective, announced her retirement in November, with agency president Susan Howe set to succeed her.

Weber Shandwick has elevated Alison McMillon and Laura Cederberg to pivotal leadership roles, completing its Central region executive team.With two decades of service at Weber Shandwick, McMillon takes the helm as the agency's Dallas market leader. Previously serving as an executive VP and deputy general manager in Dallas, she spearheaded global, integrated programs. McMillon boasts a versatile career, having excelled in corporate, B2B, crisis and issues, consumer, and internal communications.Simultaneously, Cederberg assumes the role of Minneapolis market leader. Having joined Weber Shandwick four years ago, she most recently held the position of senior VP on the corporate and public affairs team. Cederberg's earlier experience includes a role in politics, where she served as the spokesperson for former Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith.Both Cederberg and McMillon will report to Central region president Sheila Mulligan, who took on her role last August after a 17-year tenure with Edelman. The regional team also comprises Dave Collett in St. Louis and Katie Adams in Detroit.Sheila Mulligan expressed confidence in the new appointments, stating, "Weber Shandwick has long held a leadership position in the Central region and possesses extensive experience across dominant industries, from agriculture to industrials. Alison and Laura are the ideal leaders for this transformative moment, bringing combined experience across sectors and stakeholders, coupled with deep roots in these key markets."The move to appoint McMillon and Cederberg as market leaders is part of a broader restructuring of senior leadership initiated by Jim O?ÇÖLeary. O?ÇÖLeary, who assumed the role of Weber Shandwick's North America CEO after stepping down from his position as Edelman?ÇÖs US COO and corporate affairs chair a year ago, has focused on refining strategy and making key hires, including seasoned professionals like Mulligan and Weber Shandwick West president Jordan Rittenberry, as well as senior advisor Ashley Etienne, a communications strategist with experience working with Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris.