Ketchum Expands Esty Pujadas' Global Development Officer Role; Susan Butenhoff to Lead Global Technology Practice as Director

NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, one of the world leaders in communications and public relations, today appointed three of its senior executives to key new positions at the firm. Ketchum partner Esty Pujadas expands her role of global development officer for the firm, as Ketchum partner Susan Butenhoff, president, CEO and founder of Ketchum's technology specialty unit Access Communications, assumes Pujadas' current position to become director of Ketchum's Global Technology Practice. At the same time, Matthew Afflixio, executive vice president and creative director for Access Communications, takes on the role of president of Access Communications, with Butenhoff continuing to serve as the firm's CEO.

"These new roles for Esty, Susan and Matt illustrate Ketchum's commitment to bringing clients the best agency experience. Melding our global outlook with deep industry expertise is a model that can benefit all of our clients, from those with multinational campaigns to those with targeted, localized initiatives," said Rob Flaherty, senior partner, CEO and president, Ketchum. "It's a win-win to be able to apply the passions and strengths of our senior leaders in a way that best serves our clients, underscoring Ketchum's talent development culture which is such a strong part of our DNA as an agency."

Pujadas, who has been serving in a dual role since 2013, today completes her transition to global development officer. As global development officer, Pujadas will work in partnership with global and local leadership to establish and help drive client opportunities. Pujadas, who has been with Ketchum for more than 18 years, will report to Jon Higgins, senior partner and CEO of international operations for Ketchum, while working closely with local-office leadership teams across the firm's owned businesses in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. She also will continue her leadership of key client engagements, focusing on further expansion and growth in the aforementioned key markets.

"With the agency continuing to increase our geographic diversity, it is crucial that we identify the right agency partners and business development platforms in local markets that match and complement our culture, our capabilities and our commitment to client service," said Pujadas. "I am thrilled to expand my role to make sure we realize the full value of these partnerships so we can offer our clients consistently world-class service wherever they do business."

As the leader of Ketchum's Global Technology Practice, Butenhoff will work with the practice's technology specialists around the world to bring an already compelling service offering to the next level, with a particular emphasis on more closely integrating the collective expertise of Access Communications and Ketchum. Butenhoff established Access Communications more than 20 years ago as one of the first public relations agencies focused on the intersection between technology and consumer and business markets. In her new role, she will draw upon her vast experience and passion for technology to elevate and differentiate the firm in the technology sector. She will report to Hilary Hanson McKean, partner and managing director, Global Practices, and will continue to report to Barri Rafferty, senior partner and CEO of North America, in her role as CEO of Access Communications.

"I have been passionate about technology since I started Access more than two decades ago," said Butenhoff. "In my new role, I am looking forward to bringing my experience and passion to a global stage where I will have the opportunity to work with talented people all over the world to further build and more competitively position Ketchum's Global Technology Practice."

As Butenhoff assumes her Global Technology Practice role, Afflixio succeeds her as president of Access Communications. In his new role, Afflixio assumes the day-to-day responsibilities of leading the business and will build on existing collaborations with Ketchum to further strengthen and expand the firms' combined technology offering. During his 20-year career at Access Communications, Afflixio has specialized in strategic planning, corporate branding, executive visibility, special events and crisis communications for clients across the consumer, consumer technology, fashion and small business industries.

About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. The winner of 14 Cannes Lions and an unprecedented four 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, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., visit www.ketchum.com.

About the DAS Group of Companies
The DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), is a global group of marketing services companies. DAS includes over 200 companies in the following marketing disciplines: specialty, PR, healthcare, CRM, events, promotional marketing, branding and research. Operating through a combination of networks and regional organizations, DAS serves international, regional, national and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

SOURCE Ketchum