Cohn & Wolfe Appoints Michael Bayer as Corporate Practice Leader and Deputy Managing Director for New York Office

NEW YORK, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Cohn & Wolfe, a leading global communications agency, has appointed Michael Bayer as Executive Vice President, Corporate Practice Leader and Deputy Managing Director for the agency's New York office. Bayer joins from Financial Dynamics where he was a Senior Managing Director. He starts April 20, 2010, and will report to Stephanie Marchesi, President, Cohn & Wolfe New York.  

In the dual role, Bayer will help shape a strategic vision for the Corporate practice as well as cultivate client relationships, grow new business, and nurture talent office-wide. Additionally, he will provide senior counsel to clients across a range of sectors in the areas of corporate positioning, stakeholder relations, issues and crisis management and internal communications.

"Michael is a highly-regarded and versatile corporate communications strategist who is remarkably fluent across multiple industries and was a pioneer in employing digital media to advance client interests," said Stephanie Marchesi. "At Cohn & Wolfe, we are focused on transforming brands into reputation powerhouses. Michael's experience will significantly deepen our corporate branding expertise."

"Cohn & Wolfe's ability to turn unique market insights into meaningful counsel and captivating creative makes the agency an ideal partner for companies seeking to rebuild, reposition or reinvigorate their brands and reputations," said Bayer.  "I'm thrilled at the opportunity to leverage Cohn & Wolfe's considerable strengths and help position the agency for significant growth in 2010."

Bayer played a leading role in turning Financial Dynamics from a boutique U.S.-based investor relations agency into one of the world's largest strategic communications firms during his 8-year tenure. He led and advised key clients in the firm's healthcare, technology and consumer marketing practices, and served as the firm's Chief Client Officer. His clients included HSBC North America, GMAC, Heineken, Forest Laboratories, AXA Equitable and AIG among many others. Prior to joining Financial Dynamics, Bayer was Group Vice President for GCI Group's Technology practice and managed an inter-disciplinary team focused on promoting the digital assets and offerings of large institutions in healthcare, publishing and financial services -- a precursor to the modern Digital Media practice. His career also includes tenures with Miller Consulting Group in Boston and Weber Shandwick.

Bayer 's appointment is the latest in a string of senior-level appointments for Cohn & Wolfe in the last six months including: Chad Latz, Global Digital Media Practice Leader; Mike Kan, Global Healthcare Practice Leader; John Hollywood, U.S. Consumer Practice Leader; MaryEllen O'Donohue, EVP, Strategy and Client Service; Kazumi Mechling, Los Angeles Market Leader; and the promotion of Pat Godefroy to Chief Branding Officer.

About Cohn & Wolfe

Cohn & Wolfe is a strategic public relations agency dedicated to creating, building and protecting the world's most prolific brands. With offices around the world, the agency is committed to breaking new ground in the delivery of cross-channel media strategies, creative programming, and practice area excellence.  

Cohn & Wolfe is recognized year after year by clients and the industry for excellence in creativity, client service, digital communications, media strategy, senior management and strategic counsel. Cohn & Wolfe also consistently ranks among the top "Best Agencies to Work For" in an annual, industry-wide employee survey. For more information, visit: www.cohnwolfe.com. Cohn & Wolfe is part of WPP (Nasdaq: WPPGY), one of the world's largest communications services group.

SOURCE Cohn & Wolfe