Bill Reihl Joins Ketchum as Managing Director, Global Brand Marketing Practice

NEW YORK, July 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, one of the world's leading communications firms, today announced the hire of Bill Reihl as managing director, Global Brand Marketing Practice. He will work with Kelley Skoloda, partner and director of Ketchum's Global Brand Marketing Practice, to further expand the firm's global reach and professional offering. Reihl joins Ketchum from Weber Shandwick Worldwide and will be based in New York, reporting to Dale Bornstein, senior partner and director, Global Practices, and coordinating with Mike Doyle, partner and director of the New York office.

For more than 20 years, Reihl has positioned, defended and supported such highly visible brands as Samsung, Nestle, Nespresso, MasterCard, General Motors, Weight Watchers, Excedrin Migraine, Arm & Hammer and Schick Razors, among others. In his most recent role, Reihl led the global consumer marketing practice for Weber Shandwick; he also served as general manager for the Los Angeles and New York offices. Prior to that, he held a variety of roles at Ogilvy Public Relations and Edelman, where he gained experience across a number of marketing disciplines including strategic planning and creative direction.

"The best time to add new senior talent is when you are in a strong position. Having just captured nine Cannes Lions and continuing to build our business, our brand practice is succeeding by every measure, thanks to Kelley Skoloda and the other talented leaders in the practice," said Rob Flaherty, senior partner and CEO, Ketchum. "Bill is known for specializing in cross-channel integrated planning. His addition to the extraordinary group of leaders we have in our brand practice will allow us to further dimensionalize our offering and provide even greater service to our clients."

As managing director, Reihl's responsibilities will include leading the Global Brand Marketing Practice and expanding its global reach, cultivating relationships with clients around the global network, serving as a senior counselor, and providing additional leadership in the New York office.

Skoloda, who is based in Ketchum Midwest, has been with the agency for 25 years and has served in her current role for the past decade. She is a driver for differentiation and is widely recognized for her role in building Ketchum's Global Brand Marketing Practice into one of the most successful in the industry. A published author, Skoloda has a deep passion for developing strategic initiatives within the practice that have resulted in the launch of specialized offerings, including Women 25to54, Well-Connected and Speak Challenger. With experience in multi-disciplinary marketing, she also has helped distinguish Ketchum by focusing on key audience insights and building a number of strategic partnerships.

"Bill is an exceptional talent in the industry, and we are confident that his addition will allow us to bring an unparalleled level of experience and expertise to our clients and colleagues. Match Bill with Kelley and we have an incredible strategic partnership and a Global Brand Marketing Practice that is second to none," said Bornstein.

She continued: "It is under Kelley's leadership that Ketchum's brand practice has grown into the world-class offering it is today. She has consistently challenged us to deliver the kinds of creative and sophisticated programs based on research and audience insights that are receiving industry accolades today."

Reihl said, "I am thrilled to be joining Ketchum as it celebrates its 90th year of serving clients and creating a stellar internal culture that drives its success. As one of the largest and most geographically diverse agencies, Ketchum is a powerhouse in the global brand space. I am looking forward to working with the talented team around the world to drive break through ideas and creativity."

Earlier in his career, Reihl served on the management team of an Internet start-up and as a public affairs officer for an association based in Washington, D.C. He earned his undergraduate degree from American University, where he is currently on the Dean's Advisory Council for the School of Communications.

About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. The winner of 11 Cannes Lions and 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 part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., visit www.ketchum.com.

About Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

SOURCE Ketchum