Weber Shandwick Elevates Senior Leaders in North America

NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick today announced it has named Robert Dowling president of the firm's New York office. Dowling has relocated to New York and will report to Gail Heimann, the firm's global vice chair.

Dowling joined the firm seven years ago to lead the Technology practice in New York. He moved west three years ago to drive the firm's Northern California operations and has now returned to New York with responsibility for growing key practice areas in Weber Shandwick's headquarters. He has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and public relations, and has worked with many of the world's leading technology brands including Microsoft, Symantec, Sony and Capgemini.

"Robert's new position is a testament to his strength as a strategist, strong leadership skills, and business development expertise," said Heimann. "He has done an incredible job of attracting new clients and marquee talent while in Northern California, and it's exciting to have him back on the East Coast."

Dowling assumes the role from Paul Jensen, who was promoted last year to chair of the firm's North American Corporate Practice, and now will fully dedicate his time to further building and growing this practice area moving forward.

Said Heimann, "Paul has been driving a real surge of growth for the Corporate practice in New York and more broadly. He will continue to work closely with teams here and will be further extending his leadership across the network."

With Dowling's move, Tony Hynes has been promoted to General Manager of the firm's Northern California operation. He assumes the position from Dowling, and reports to Cathy Calhoun, president, North America.

Hynes joined Weber Shandwick in 2010, bringing with him nearly 20 years of communications experience in technology, corporate reputation, and issues management. He has worked in London, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Paris and, over the last decade, Silicon Valley. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, he was the West Coast general manager of Bite Communications.

"We're delighted to have Tony take over the operation as Robert assumes the lead role at our largest office in North America. Northern California continues to be one of our fastest-growing regions and we are committed to continued investment in this market," commented Calhoun. "Our Northern California region draws on a diverse range of experience across the corporate, healthcare, consumer and technology landscapes.

Weber Shandwick's Northern California operation has been on an impressive growth trajectory, adding significant new clients over the last six months across the technology, healthcare, corporate, clean technology and consumer industries. Recent client wins have included NETGEAR, a global networking company and SunTech, the world's largest supplier of solar panels.

About Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in 81 countries around the world. The firm's success is built on its deep commitment to client service, our people, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advocacy advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. In 2010, Weber Shandwick was named Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report for the second year in a row; an 'Agency of the Decade' by Advertising Age, Large PR Agency of the Year by Bulldog Reporter, a Digital Firm of the Year by PR News, and Top Corporate Responsibility Advisory Firm by CR Magazine. The firm has also won numerous 'best place to work' awards around the world. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.