Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm, has announced two key senior leadership appointments to support the firm’s continued growth in the UK and around the world.Nick Claydon has been appointed to a new, broader role as Vice Chairman, Global Strategy & Communications (S&C). He will, therefore, transition from his current position leading Teneo’s UK S&C business to spend more time advising CEOs and clients around critical challenges.Nick has successfully run Teneo’s UK S&C business for five years. During that time, he led the team through the pandemic and a period of growth, including the successful integration of Tulchan Communications. He leaves Teneo’s UK S&C business as it is having a record year and positioned as a formidable and differentiated force in the market.Andrew Feldman will succeed Nick as CEO of UK S&C. He joined Teneo in 2023 as part of Teneo’s acquisition of Tulchan Communications. Andrew was Managing Partner of Tulchan from 2019 to 2023, where he was responsible for the day-to-day management of the firm and advised key clients on their strategic communications. Prior to that, he was a Partner at Macro Advisory Partners, advising multinational clients on geopolitical risk. From 2010 to 2016, Andrew served as Chairman of the Conservative Party in the UK.As part of this transition, Geoff Morrell will now oversee the UK S&C business in his role as President of Global S&C. This will help foster even greater collaboration across the broader S&C business where Geoff already has responsibility for Teneo’s Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pac S&C businesses.“We are delighted to announce new leadership roles for Nick and Andrew,” said Geoff Morrell, President of Global S&C, Teneo. “They are both great client counselors and leaders within our business and will each continue to play important roles for the firm moving forward. I would like to thank Nick for his leadership of the UK S&C business over the last five years and also congratulate Andrew on his new responsibilities. I look forward to working with them both to build on the strong momentum we have in our UK S&C business and more broadly around the world. They are two of the very best in the business and we are lucky to have them.”Nick Claydon said: “It’s been a privilege to lead the London office through a period of growth as we have transformed Teneo into a business where a combination of financial communications, political insight, reputation strategy and bold and creative campaigning is fused in our DNA. We have completed the successful integration of Tulchan, the combined teams are working well together, and the business has real momentum. I am looking forward to focusing on what I love most, partnering with Teneo clients around the globe to address some of their biggest challenges. No other firm offers the breadth or depth of services Teneo provides on an integrated basis and I am excited to take on this new challenge.”Andrew Feldman said: “I am very much looking forward to leading Teneo’s UK S&C business. We have an exceptional team, with a diverse set of skills and perspectives, enabling us to offer valuable strategic communications advice to clients. We now have an exciting opportunity to accelerate the growth of the business from solid foundations.”

Advertising conglomerate WPP is on the verge of finalizing a deal to sell its majority stake in financial communications firm FGS Global to private equity firm KKR for approximately $800 million.The announcement is expected as soon as Wednesday, coinciding with WPP's upcoming financial results release, according to Financial Times.The proposed agreement involves WPP selling its 50.5% stake in FGS for around $800 million, thereby valuing the entire communications business at about $1.6 billion. KKR's ownership would increase from roughly 30% to around 80%, while the remaining shares would be held by the firm's numerous partners and management team.Sources emphasized the importance of retaining some equity for partners as a retention incentive. However, they noted that as of Tuesday, the deal had not been officially finalized. Both WPP and KKR declined to comment.FGS Global was established through the merger of London-based Finsbury, Frankfurt-based Hering Schuppener, and Washington DC-based Glover Park Group. The firm operates nearly 30 offices worldwide, serving over 1,600 clients, and generated about $450 million in revenue last year, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of approximately $95 million.KKR’s acquisition of FGS is a strategic bet on expanding the business further, with potential exit options either through a sale or public offering in the future.The financial communications sector has seen significant consolidation, as businesses that once operated domestically now seek to offer comprehensive services to top executives, corporations, and financial groups globally.However, not all investments have been smooth. For instance, private equity firm CVC encountered challenges with its 2019 investment in FGS competitor Teneo, following a series of scandals and the abrupt departure of two of its three founders during the pandemic.This sale marks the first major transaction since WPP appointed Philip Jansen as its new chair last week. Jansen, who has extensive experience at BT and Worldpay, is expected to reassess the company’s future strategy.The deal would enhance WPP's financial standing, which has been under scrutiny due to its relative underperformance compared to rivals like France’s Publicis. It could also spark discussions about whether WPP’s share price accurately reflects the value of its diverse businesses, which include media, marketing, PR, and advertising globally.WPP is increasingly positioning itself as a technology-driven company, leveraging artificial intelligence and data-led services to deliver more targeted and efficient campaigns for clients.Those familiar with the discussions indicated that FGS had become seen as less central to WPP’s core operations, which already include major PR firms such as Burson, BCW, and Hill & Knowlton, as well as agencies like Ogilvy that provide PR services.Earlier this year, the Financial Times reported KKR's approach to acquire majority control of FGS. The private equity firm initially acquired about 30% of FGS in a deal valuing Finsbury at nearly $1.5 billion in 2023, with WPP retaining a 50.5% stake and FGS employees holding the remainder.The deal may also postpone plans to take FGS public within the next two years. Goldman Sachs has been advising WPP on the transaction.

Burson appoints Ruud Wassen, Chief Client Officer, BrusselsGlobal communications agency Burson has appointed Ruud Wassen as Chief Client Officer, Brussels. In this role, Wassen will play a key part in serving and growing the agency’s clients in Brussels.Wassen will work closely with Burson teams, particularly in the sustainability and healthcare sectors, to enhance client service and innovation. His prior extensive experience includes serving as the Chief Marketing Officer for the international arm of Cigna Healthcare, a multinational health services company. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at Teneo, where he established the Brussels office in 2013. He also previously led the Energy practice at Burson-Marsteller.Andrew Cecil, CEO of Burson Brussels, said: “Wassen brings deep expertise in advising businesses at the most senior levels on strategic communications and EU policy. His considerable expertise will be particularly valuable to our clients during this unprecedented period with multiple elections around the world and constant state of political change.”“I am thrilled to return to Burson and to work alongside a talented team and in a dynamic business focused on building and protecting reputation for clients,” said Wassen. “Having counselled some of the world’s most respected companies, I am eager to leverage my experience to further strengthen Burson’s client focus, offer and services. With a year of political change ahead, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be part of this premier global communications firm with such a strong legacy in public affairs.”

Public affairs and communications specialist APCO announced the expansion of its European operations with a new office in Kyiv, Ukraine. The office will be led by Sonya Soutus, (pictured), a global expert in corporate and government relations with deep experience in Ukraine.Soutus brings over 30 years of experience in communications, public affairs, and brand management for multinational corporations. She has held leadership positions both in-house and at agencies, managing diverse areas like M&A communications and corporate social responsibility.Soutus' background in Ukraine is extensive. She previously served as a director at Burson-Marsteller in Kyiv, where she played a key role in public education programs and establishing the agency's presence in the country. Her experience also includes serving as the first press officer for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and working as a director at Teneo.APCO's Kyiv team will focus on guiding international investors and businesses in key sectors like energy, technology, and agriculture. They will also offer expertise in government engagement, strategic communications, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape as Ukraine progresses towards EU membership."Despite ongoing challenges, Ukraine's economic resilience and growth potential are undeniable. Our clients are seeking deeper insights and local expertise to navigate Ukraine's opportunities. We're also seeing Ukrainian companies seeking to connect with European markets and attract foreign investment. APCO's experience in Ukraine positions us perfectly to address these needs," said APCO CEO Brad Staples. Soutus echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team's commitment to client success: “We are excited about the opportunities that our new presence in Kyiv will bring. Our mission is to enable businesses to succeed in Ukraine by providing them with the insights and strategies they need to thrive in this dynamic market. APCO has an integrated offer of strategic services and a truly global presence which we know will provide significant added value to our clients.”

Lauren Payne-McLeod, currently based in London, is embarking on a new chapter as she relocates to New York to assume the role of Fight or Flight's inaugural Head of Strategy and Creative for North America.In her new capacity, Payne-McLeod will oversee the strategic and creative direction of the team's accounts, ensuring the delivery of high-quality insights while nurturing existing client relationships and spearheading the expansion of new business endeavors. Additionally, she will play a pivotal role within the North America leadership team.Having dedicated the past three years to Fight or Flight in London, Payne-McLeod has held various positions, culminating in her most recent role as Director of Strategy and Creative at the firm's headquarters. Prior to her tenure at FoF, she contributed her expertise to Teneo, also in London.This transition marks a significant milestone for Fight or Flight, which initiated its expansion into North America approximately 18 months ago. Bolstered by key appointments, such as US Chair Tim Fry, a seasoned professional from Weber Shandwick, the agency has experienced notable growth, securing a series of clients and multi-market projects. Notably, this quarter saw the addition of Atera, an AI-driven IT management platform, to Fight or Flight's esteemed clientele.

The MENA chapter of Global Women in PR (GWPR), a global membership organisation connecting women in senior PR and communications roles, is welcoming Radwa Allabban, Founder and Managing Director, Place Communications and Purti Simon, Vice President, Teneo as board members this Women’s History Month.Radwa brings 20+ years of experience to her position, and invaluable knowledge from her time setting up and running her own agency, which she launched in 2011. Purti is a multidisciplinary communications professional with over 10 years in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. She was listed as one of India’s top 30 PR professionals under 30 and led the APACMEA delegation for the International Women’s Forum to Boston.Purti said: “I am delighted to be formally appointed as a Board Member for the regional chapter following my involvement with the organisation for many years. GWPR MENA is steadfast in delivering its promise of an equitable PR industry where women are seen and valued. I am grateful to join the league of committed Board Members, each trailblazers in their own right, to advocate and equip female leaders at a time when companies are losing them in droves for a variety of systemic reasons. Looking ahead, I hope to bring more impetus to building a healthy pipeline of women leaders and providing them opportunities that help them thrive in the workplace.”Radwa said: “In a region experiencing constant change, the role of PR and Communications has never been more important. Global Women in PR MENA is not just another networking group - it's the only platform in the region for senior female communicators to come together and have honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities we face, and most importantly to take concrete actions to address them. We don't just talk, we act. We exist to support, showcase and lift up current and future female leaders in our industry.”Rachel Dunn, GWPR MENA Co-Chair and Communications Director at Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “Radwa and Purti are two of the most well-respected female leaders in the communications industry here in the region and we are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming them as GWPR MENA Board Members. Their combined knowledge, insights and experience will be invaluable in offering guidance and shaping the experiences of women in the industry. Their arrival at a time when women around the globe are marking Women’s History Month is particularly fitting, and we look forward to getting straight to work.”GWPR MENA is currently celebrating its largest ever membership of female senior communications professionals in the UAE, at 80 members. The six-strong board members also includes Co-Chair, Loretta Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Houbara Communications, Naamat Baradhy, Regional Communication Advisor at First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner of Brazen MENA.In its latest step to strengthen its commitment to connecting senior female communicators, GWPR MENA recently launched ‘The Conversation Series,’ a platform to have honest conversations about the challenges and issues faced by women in the industry, and discuss ways to overcome them. The series is the latest addition to GWPR MENA’s robust calendar of monthly events, webinars, and community platforms including an active and supportive messaging group.GWPR MENA continues to connect and attract women in leadership within the communications industry across the region, offering membership to those in senior leadership positions within the PR and Communications industry, both agency and ‘in-house’ or who are freelance consultants with significant PR experience of 10 years and above.