Leading global communications consultancy Ketchum has appointed Tamara Norman as Chief Executive Officer for the US region. A thirty-year Ketchumveteran, Norman will assume responsibility for the agency’s strategy, innovation, client experience, growth and financial results in the region. She will blend her deep understanding of the agency with an objective, thoughtful eye toward what’s possible in the years ahead. Norman will report to Ketchum Global President and CEO Mike Doyle.“The continual evolution of today’s communications landscape requires a leader with deep and varied expertise, a clear-eyed vision, and a bias for action. No one fits that description better than Tamara Norman,” said Doyle. “She is a powerhouse with decades of experience counseling clients in dozens of industries, advocating for and protecting the reputation of global brands and – importantly – mentoring the next generation of communications talent.”Norman joined Ketchum in 1995 and quickly became known for her client-first approach, strategic insights, and success leading and motivating teams. She will blend her decades-long understanding of the agency with an objective, thoughtful eye toward what’s possible in the years ahead.Throughout her career, she has led many of the agency’s largest, most complex global client engagements and built the agency’s strong consultancy in corporate communications. Most recently, Norman has served as Chief Corporate Affairs and Reputation Officer, overseeing Ketchum’s capabilities in executive communications, issues and crisis, financial communications, purpose, media relations and DE&I. Since 2020, she led the creation and growth of the agency’s award-winning employee engagement practice, helping clients navigate the ever-changing dynamics in the workplace.“This is a pivotal time for our industry, and I am excited to help shape this next chapter for Ketchum,” said Norman. “My confidence in this team and the direction of our agency is rooted in thirty years working side-by-side with the best in the business to create meaningful impact for clients. Together, we will elevate our strengths, drive innovation and tackle big communications challenges, creating progress for our clients and our people.”Established in 1923, Ketchum is one of the most creatively awarded firms in the industry.

Burson has named Simeon Mellalieu as CEO of its Hong Kong office, effective October 2, 2024.Mellalieu brings extensive experience from his previous role at Ketchum, where he served as Partner for Client Development in the Asia-Pacific region and Managing Director of Ketchum Hong Kong. With over 25 years in the communications industry, he has guided multinational companies in developing and executing national, regional, and global communications strategies.His diverse client portfolio spans various industries, including fast fashion, semiconductors, automotive, gaming, food and beverage, and banking.Before relocating to Hong Kong, Mellalieu spent time in the UK, gaining valuable experience at two prestigious PR agencies: Bulletin International in London, specializing in international broadcast PR, and Warman & Bannister in Cambridge, focused on technology PR.“We are delighted to welcome Simeon to our APAC leadership team. Hong Kong remains a critical regional hub for Asian companies seeking to build their reputation on the global stage. Simeon’s extensive experience will help us further bolster our ‘Asia Going Global’ offer in Hong Kong, helping clients navigate pivotal market changes and seize opportunities, both in the region and abroad,” said HS Chung, North APAC CEO, Burson. Simeon Mellalieu serves on the board of PR Hong Kong, showcasing his industry expertise and leadership.

Cheryll Forsatz has returned to Ketchum as the US chief client officer after gaining valuable experience at Zeno and Ferrero USA.“Cheryll will be critical in defining and executing our organic business growth in the US,” president & CEO Mike Doyle stated in a memo to staff. “She will be responsible for creating and deploying a client-centric model that will drive consistency in our client experience, and work with client directors to provide guidance on business-critical accounts.”Most recently, Forsatz was with Zeno, where she served as the managing director of Zeno East. Before her time at Zeno, she spent over five years at the Italian confectionary giant Ferrero, joining the company in 2018 as its first VP of corporate communications and public relations.Forsatz is no stranger to Ketchum, having previously held the role of senior VP, where she was responsible for the agency’s external communications. Earlier in her career, she served as the director of communications for McDonald’s New York metro region, overseeing public relations, public affairs, and crisis management activities.“Cheryll’s experience is so well suited to the role, and to Ketchum — a mix of deep, in-house expertise and agency credentials, too,” Doyle added. Forsatz will report directly to Doyle until a new US CEO is appointed, which is expected "in the near future," according to Doyle.

Ketchum UK has announced the hiring of Noor Kheir as the new managing director of corporate, effective from September. In her new role, Kheir will lead Ketchum’s team of directors and senior personnel, managing corporate communications for some of the agency’s most prominent global clients, including P&G and Samsung. Her portfolio will also cover multi-market clients like 3M and Collinson, along with key European accounts such as Adobe and Mastercard.Kheir brings a wealth of experience in corporate communications, mobility & transport, and sustainability, further strengthening Ketchum's expertise and senior leadership team.Previously, Kheir served as managing director at H+K/Burson, where she spent five years overseeing the firm’s mobility & transport practice. Additionally, she held the role of managing director of WPP’s Ford Europe integrated agency, gaining significant experience in EV and sustainability/ESG communications. Before her tenure at H+K, Kheir spent 12 years at Edelman.Reflecting on her departure from H+K, Kheir said, “I’ve had an absolutely brilliant five years at H&K (now Burson!), working with amazing clients and amazingly talented people. I know everyone says that when they are leaving but that is 100% true of H&K. It is the right time for me to take on a new challenge, and I cannot wait to join the Ketchum UK team, leading the corporate community.”Sera Holland, Ketchum's chief strategy & innovation officer, global markets, commented on the appointment: “Our incredible bench of senior consultants and directors in our corporate team have been leading the practice successfully for a while now, but given the continued growth and opportunity we’re seeing across the corporate mix combined with our clients’ need for us to help them navigate through significant global and market change, the time was right for us to bring in a strong, experienced leader to take our offer and team to the next level. Noor’s experience in leading high-performing, integrated teams across global brands, in addition to the depth of her experience and reputation as a senior client counsellor, meant she was the clear standout choice for the role. She’s joining a stellar senior leadership team in the UK and has a real vision for where she wants to take our offer, and myself, Jo-ann, and the rest of our team can’t wait to partner with her to make it a reality.”Kheir’s appointment follows a series of other senior hires at Ketchum UK, including Estelle Boon from Grayling as managing director, consumer brand, and Bibi Hilton as chief client officer, global markets.

The Taylor Bennett Foundation, dedicated to promoting diversity within the communications industry, has appointed Koray Camgöz, formerly of Ketchum, as its new CEO.Camgöz steps into this leadership role during a time of growth and expansion for the 15-year-old foundation.Before joining the foundation, Camgöz served as a director at Ketchum for the past year and was previously the Director of Communications and Marketing at the PRCA. He also held various positions at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), most recently as the organization’s PR Manager.He succeeds Melissa Lawrence, who led the foundation for over four years before stepping down in 2023.“I am so delighted that after a strong competitive process, supported by Perrett Laver, we have found such an exceptional candidate,” said Sarah Pinch, Chair of the Foundation. “Koray’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is writ large, and those in the industry who know him have seen that passion in action. His roles at the CIPR, PRCA, and latterly at Ketchum have all had ED&I at their heart.”Jo-ann Robertson, Ketchum’s CEO of Global Markets, commented on Camgöz’s departure: “Koray joined Ketchum UK in 2023 and has made significant contributions to the business. His leadership in working with technology clients and his dedication to delivering creative campaigns focused on diversity and inclusion have been instrumental to our success. His active role in Ketchum’s Inclusion Council has provided a vital inclusive lens to our workforce practices and initiatives.“We thank Koray for his exceptional efforts and are delighted for him to take on this new role that aligns with his experience and values. We look forward to continuing our partnership with him and the Taylor Bennett Foundation and wish him all the best in driving progress as he enters this exciting new chapter,” she said.

Ruth Allchurch has parted ways with Ketchum just three months after stepping into the role of UK CEO.Allchurch assumed the CEO role in April, overseeing Ketchum’s second-largest global office after serving as EMEA managing director at WE Communications. She joined WE in 2018 as UK managing director and was promoted to regional managing director for EMEA in 2023. Prior to that, she spent over three years as managing director at Cirkle, was consumer MD at Cohn & Wolfe, and served as head of brand PR for Diageo Western Europe for eight years.Since the end of 2017, Ketchum's London office has been under the leadership of Jo-ann Robertson, who was promoted to UK CEO. In 2022, Robertson expanded her responsibilities to include overseeing global markets outside the US, including Europe, Brazil, and Canada, and has been seeking a successor for the London office since.

Multicultural agency Egami has appointed Laura Sutphen from Golin as its new president.Sutphen will oversee Egami’s daily operations, enhance its capabilities, and collaborate directly with clients. She will report to Teneshia Jackson Warner, the founder and CEO of Egami.Egami has been without a president since Cheryl Overton's departure in February 2020.Sutphen brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Golin, where she served as managing director of social impact and inclusion and global head of social purpose. Her career also includes senior leadership positions at Ketchum, Fenton Communications, and Amazon, where she was the director of communications.Among her notable achievements are leading an environmental racism study titled "Justice for All," launching Amazon's Black Business Accelerator program, and developing the strategy for Aveeno's SkinVisibility campaign to address Black skin health disparities."As we look to the future, it's essential that we help our clients navigate the evolving, complex realities of multicultural, multiethnic, inclusive, and diverse audiences, which now represent mainstream culture," said Jackson Warner. "In Laura, our team found a partner committed to purpose and growth. Throughout her career, Laura has been a pioneer in disrupting biases and has a strong record of allyship and working with communities of color."

Racepoint Global has appointed Amy Palladino as Executive Vice President of Strategic Services, in a move to strengthen its employee communications and change management capabilities. Palladino will spearhead the growth of RPG Prism, the company's newly expanded practice dedicated to these critical areas.A seasoned communications professional with a proven track record, Palladino brings a wealth of experience to Racepoint Global. Throughout her career, she has held senior positions at leading organisations like Ketchum and Heineken, where she honed her expertise in executive communication, change management, and internal communications. Most recently, Palladino served as a Vice President at Gartner, and also boasts experience running her own change management consultancy and leading people & change initiatives at FTI Consulting."The modern workplace presents a multitude of challenges for businesses," says Bob Osmond, President of Racepoint Global. "From navigating the complexities of hybrid work to harnessing the power of AI and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, leaders need effective communication strategies to drive engagement and innovation.""Amy Palladino is a recognized leader in the communications industry," Osmond continues. "Her extensive experience partnering with renowned brands to guide them through major transformations makes her an invaluable asset to Racepoint Global. We are confident that under her leadership, RPG Prism will empower our clients to create a more informed, inspired, and collaborative workforce."Palladino's appointment underscores Racepoint Global's commitment to providing clients with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.

Bibi Hilton, a highly respected figure in the PR world, is rejoining the agency scene as Chief Client Officer for Global Markets at Ketchum.Hilton boasts an impressive career, having spent 13 years as Managing Director of Golin London before moving to IPG, the parent company, as Global Engagement Director on the Unilever account. In 2020, she transitioned to the social enterprise sector, leading Creative Access as Communications Director and ultimately becoming CEO in 2022. Hilton also served as President of the Women in PR network from 2018 to 2021.At Ketchum, Hilton will oversee client experience across all markets outside the US. A key focus will be ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) remains a core aspect of the agency's client service.Jo-ann Robertson, Ketchum's Global Markets CEO, expressed her admiration for Hilton, citing both her past accomplishments and their shared commitment to DEI. Robertson highlighted the importance of integrating DEI into client experience, stating, "There was really only one person for the job." She praised Hilton's ability to build strong relationships and her commitment to listening to clients' needs.Hilton's arrival coincides with the upcoming appointment of Ruth Allchurch as Ketchum's UK CEO in April. Robertson emphasized the collaboration between them, stating, "…she and Ruth will be spending a lot of time together to make sure we are elevating client experience in our biggest market."Motivated by a desire to innovate and elevate client service, Hilton expressed her excitement about rejoining the PR industry at Ketchum. She highlighted the agency's shared values and her admiration for Robertson's leadership in DEI. Hilton plans to focus on "heightening our clients' experience and innovate," fostering collaboration across markets, and challenging industry norms. She also emphasized her commitment to building diverse teams that drive client growth.Hilton's appointment comes after the recent departure of Ketchum's UK Chief Client Officer, Alicia Solanki, to Team Lewis. This new role marks the first of two Chief Client Officer positions for Ketchum, with Robertson planning to appoint a US counterpart soon.