Creative and communications agency Prime Weber Shandwick has transitioned to full ownership by five members of its current leadership team. The the Stockholm-based firm will continue to operate as an affiliate of Weber Shandwick in Sweden, maintaining its original name.Founded in 1998, Prime Weber Shandwick became a part of Weber Shandwick's network a decade ago, a move designed to strengthen the agency's presence in the Nordic region, which had previously relied on affiliate partnerships.Johan Dyrendahl, CEO of Prime Weber Shandwick, said: "We view this as a natural progression and a way to future-proof our business. It offers us, our clients, and our colleagues the best of both worlds: the energy and focus of local ownership to tailor our offerings and operations to the current and future needs of the Swedish market, and the strength of being part of a fantastic global network.""We acquired and successfully integrated Prime to serve as a creative engine within Weber Shandwick, inspiring and igniting our global network with its broad creative capabilities. Over the past decade, we?ÇÖve built a strong foundation, in partnership with Prime, that has significantly transformed the landscape of creativity and innovation, and we?ÇÖre proud of all we?ÇÖve achieved together," said Gail Heimann, global CEO of The Weber Shandwick Collective. Since its integration into Weber Shandwick in 2014, Prime Weber Shandwick has earned 14 Cannes Lions for its creative excellence.(Image credit: https://primewebershandwick.com)

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.

Gail Heimann is set to retire from her position as global CEO of The Weber Shandwick Collective, with Susan Howe, the current global president, slated to succeed her in November.After 28 years at Weber Shandwick and five years as the global CEO, Heimann's leadership saw the firm through significant changes, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her tenure culminated in the agency being named Global Agency of the Year in 2023 and the establishment of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), encompassing 11 specialist Interpublic Group sister firms in areas like consumer marketing, public affairs, healthcare, paid media, and social-first creative.TWSC boasts extensive sector and service expertise across 11 brands with offices on six continents. TWSC?ÇÖs diverse capabilities include organisational transformation, public affairs, and digital transformation. Throughout her illustrious career, she has been instrumental in building and enhancing the reputations of numerous Fortune 500 companies, working on iconic brands and campaigns across various sectors.Howe, who has been with TWSC for over 20 years, spent the last three as the global president, overseeing the firm?ÇÖs four operating regions (North America, EMEA, APAC, and LatAm) and enhancing integration between TWSC?ÇÖs partner agencies and practice areas.Previously, Howe served as the company's chief growth officer and chief collaboration officer, and she played a pivotal role in major client relationships such as AB InBev, Nestle, and Kellanova.Weber Shandwick does not currently plan to appoint a new president to replace Howe.Howe's appointment continues Weber Shandwick?ÇÖs tradition of promoting CEOs from within the agency, a practice in place since its formation from the mergers of BSMG, Shandwick, and Weber over two decades ago.