DUSSELDORF, Germany and NEW YORK, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, one of the world's leading communications consultancies, today announced that partner Dirk Popp has been appointed CEO of Ketchum Pleon Germany. Most recently, Popp served as speaker of the Ketchum Pleon Germany executive board and led the Dusseldorf and Dresden offices as managing director. In his new role, Popp assumes overall responsibility for Ketchum Pleon Germany, which employs more than 350 communication experts across seven offices.
"Dirk is the perfect choice to lead Ketchum Pleon in Germany. He has a deep understanding and knowledge of the German communications landscape and has been a key member of Ketchum Pleon's top leadership for many years," said Raymond L. Kotcher, senior partner and CEO of Ketchum. "We are absolutely convinced that he will continue to successfully develop the strategy of our company in Germany."
Timo Sieg, senior partner and CEO of Europe, added, "Given Dirk's impressive track record in our firm, along with his experience across multiple leadership roles, we are certain that he will lead the company to new levels of success."
Popp joined the agency more than 15 years ago. He established the consultancy's Issues & Crisis practice in Germany. Popp was named head of the Dresden office in 1997 and added responsibility for the Dusseldorf office in 2009. Under his leadership, Dusseldorf quickly became one of the firm's most successful offices.
In 2010, Popp was named a partner of the global firm and appointed speaker of the Ketchum Pleon Germany executive board, helping to oversee the management of Ketchum Pleon Germany's operations, including strategic planning, client development and new business. The executive board also includes Sieg; Christiane Schulz, partner and managing director of the Berlin office; and Horst Wettlaufer, CFO of Ketchum Pleon Germany. Popp will continue to work with the executive board in the management of Ketchum Pleon Germany.
Popp said, "Given the rapidly changing communication landscape, my new position in Ketchum Pleon Germany, one of Germany's market-leading agencies, is a tremendous opportunity. I am excited by my overall objective to develop a new, strong profile for our agency – focusing especially on brand communications, financial communications, public affairs, change management and crisis management. Our intention is to be recognized as a market leader and for our quality and our innovative abilities. For me personally, this means taking the agency to the next level and building the next-generation Ketchum Pleon Germany. By leveraging our strong corporate communications heritage in the changing media landscape, we will be well-equipped for the future."
About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. Named 2010 Large PR Firm of the Year (Holmes Report and PR News) and the winner of an unprecedented three consecutive PRWeek Campaign of the Year Awards, Ketchum partners with clients to deliver strategic programming, game-changing creative and measurable results that build brands and reputations. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.
SOURCE Ketchum
Share this article