NEW YORK and LONDON, Aug. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, one of the world's leading communications consultancies, today announced that Mark Hume has been appointed chief operating officer in Europe, effective immediately. In his new position, Hume will partner with Ketchum Chairman and CEO Rob Flaherty to oversee the agency's European operations, which includes some of the largest markets in the agency's portfolio. In addition, Hume continues as CFO for the region. He moved into the regional CFO role in 2009, working side-by-side with then-CEO of Europe David Gallagher to manage the business. Earlier today, it was announced that Gallagher has been named president, growth and development, international at Omnicom Public Relations Group.
"Mark Hume is a trusted and respected leader, a multi-faceted finance and operations executive with a keen understanding of the communications industry and a proven track record of growth; he has been instrumental in the acquisition and development of each of our European businesses," said Flaherty. "Ketchum's European network is one of the industry's largest, which is a direct result of Mark and David's leadership and partnership with regional and local leaders to drive business, producing exceptional results. In fact, we have had one of our strongest new business starts this year, with dozens of new clients and projects already won. I look forward to partnering with Mark to continue to focus on our clients and also drive the business forward."
This news is the latest in a series of leadership announcements at Ketchum, including the appointment of Barri Rafferty to worldwide president, and the creation of the agency's new Global Leadership Council, to which Hume was named when it launched in June.
"I have enjoyed partnering with David and our European leadership team for more than 15 years to grow Ketchum's business and reach in Europe, and I'm looking forward to continuing to best meet our clients' needs and attract and develop the region's top talent," Hume said.
Hume joined Ketchum in 1996 as finance director, U.K., through Ketchum's acquisition of Scope Communications. He was named chief operating officer, U.K. in 2001, and was appointed European commercial director in 2004, managing all aspects of commercial and operational development for Ketchum's offices and affiliates across the region. Hume was named a Ketchum partner in 2005.
"Mark has been an exceptional partner to me and to Ketchum's European and worldwide leadership teams as we have worked to grow Ketchum's reputation and deliver solid performance," said Gallagher. "Mark played a critical role in the Ketchum Pleon merger, the Brandzeichen acquisition and the recently announced alignment of our brands in Germany, and I am pleased we will continue to work together in our new positions."
Gallagher was named partner and CEO, Europe, for Ketchum in 2011. Prior to that, he was head of Ketchum's U.K. office and led the agency's European healthcare practice. Gallagher joined Ketchum in 1994 and served as head of the healthcare group in Washington, D.C., and a member of that office's leadership team prior to relocating to London in 2000.
"David has been an exceptional leader, helping to grow and develop our business in tandem with our people and working in partnership with Mark for more than 15 years to ensure our many successes in Europe," Flaherty said. "We are grateful to David for his stewardship of our brand and our profession, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new OPRG role."
About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. The winner of 19 Cannes Lions and an unprecedented five 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 part of the DAS Group of Companies, visit www.ketchum.com.
About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, public health and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.
SOURCE Ketchum
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