Weber Shandwick has unveiled three senior leadership appointments as Karen Pugliese prepares to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on September 1, marking the latest step in the agency's leadership transition.The global communications firm has appointed Joy Farber Kolo as Chief Innovation & Integration Officer, Michael Wehman as US President, and Mike Rosich as President of Weber Shandwick, New York. Rosich will continue to serve as CEO of Current Global and dna alongside his expanded responsibilities.The appointments come as Weber Shandwick reshapes its leadership structure following the announcement earlier this year that long-serving CEO Gail Heimann will retire after nearly three decades with the agency. Pugliese, currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Weber Shandwick, was named as Heimann's successor and will officially take over the top role in September.Farber Kolo brings three decades of experience at Weber Shandwick to her new position. Having held several leadership roles across the organisation, including Chief Impact Officer, she will now oversee innovation and integration initiatives across the agency's global operations.Wehman, a 25-year Weber Shandwick veteran, most recently served as President of Client Experience & Operations for North America. In his new role as US President, he will lead the agency's US business units while also overseeing global operations, reflecting Weber Shandwick's emphasis on operational excellence and client delivery.Rosich will expand his remit after successfully leading dna Communications and overseeing its 2024 integration with Current Global. While continuing as CEO of both agencies, he will now take charge of Weber Shandwick New York, one of the firm's most significant markets.The leadership changes follow the departure of Jim O'Leary, Weber Shandwick's former North America CEO and Global President, who recently joined strategic advisory firm Penta as Chief Executive Officer. Together with Heimann's retirement, the moves represent one of the most significant leadership transitions in Weber Shandwick's recent history.The appointments also come amid broader changes across Omnicom Public Relations following Omnicom's acquisition of Interpublic Group. In recent months, the communications network has introduced a new regional leadership structure outside the United States and the United Kingdom, while streamlining governance across its portfolio of agencies.Earlier this year, Omnicom Public Relations announced plans to combine Golin and Ketchum, alongside integrating Porter Novelli into FleishmanHillard, signalling a wider effort to simplify operations and strengthen collaboration across its communications businesses.Commenting on the appointments, Pugliese said the three leaders bring complementary strengths spanning innovation, operations and client leadership. She noted that their deep institutional knowledge and operational expertise will play a critical role in shaping Weber Shandwick's next chapter.As the agency enters a new phase under Pugliese's leadership, the appointments underscore Weber Shandwick's focus on continuity, innovation and integration at a time of significant transformation across the global communications industry.

Dave Whiting has joined Weber Shandwick as GM of the Boston office.Whiting will start the role on Feb. 3, a Weber Shandwick spokesperson said.  Whiting was hired to oversee Weber Shandwick?ÇÖs 80-person Boston office, leading clients,?business growth and driving innovation?for?the Boston market, it said in a statement.?He will have a?broader?leadership?role?in the agency?ÇÖs?corporate affairs and advisory?business in North America as well. ?Ç£I?ÇÖm thrilled to lead the largest and most-awarded firm in Boston and the New England region,?Ç¥ Whiting said. ?Ç£Weber Shandwick?ÇÖs unmatched creativity, strategy and impact ?Çö combined with its modern corporate affairs expertise and advisory capabilities ?Çö make it a true powerhouse. Together with our Boston leadership team, we?ÇÖre ready to drive innovation, deliver measurable results, and elevate the firm?ÇÖs legacy as an industry leader.?Ç¥ Whiting succeeded Pam Jenkins, chief public health officer and chief public affairs officer, who was also acting as interim Boston GM, the spokesperson explained.Previously, Whiting was global chief operating officer with Edelman. He led the firm?ÇÖs business-to-business operations across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa in his prior role. He joined Edelman in December 2012. Recent appointments at Weber Shandwick include the promotion of Paul Massey to South region president in December; and Marianna Ruiz?ÇÖs appointment as chief creative officer of creative growth for North America in August. Additionally, Jeff Immel, a 14-year Weber Shandwick veteran, was named as Weber Shandwick chief creative officer for Chicago. The Weber Shandwick Collective also promoted O?ÇÖLeary and Karen Pugliese to global president roles and named Joy Farber Kolo chief impact officer in December as the agency formalized its leadership under new CEO Susan Howe. Howe became CEO, succeeding Gail Heimann, in November.