MWWPR CEO Michael Kempner Names Expanded Management Team: Promotes Bret Werner To President; Gina Cherwin To Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MWWPR CEO Michael Kempner announced today that Bret Werner has been appointed to the role of President. Werner will join Kempner, recently promoted Chief People Officer Gina Cherwin and CFO William Starace to form MWWPR's fully integrated executive management team. MWWPR is one of the largest independent public relations agencies in the world, with eight locations across the U.S. and UK.

In making this announcement, Kempner cited the need for a new business management model for the industry, where Strategy, Culture, Client Service, Operations and Finance work seamlessly together without walls and artificial boundaries. In his increased role, Werner will share the day to day management of the company with Kempner, with a focus on new client service models, advancing the firm's product offerings, new business and integration across all offices and practice groups.

"When I met Bret, I immediately saw he understood my vision for MWWPR and our culture, while also bringing in a fresh perspective," said Kempner.  "Early in his tenure, it became clear that his leadership would be an important part of our future. As we further evolve into a content centric company, Bret's expertise in the intersection of media and influencer relations, pop culture, social media and digital channel delivery makes him the perfect partner to lead MWWPR and our clients into our next phase of growth.

Werner's promotion comes eleven months after he was brought on as the firm's Chief Client Officer.

"When I joined MWWPR, I was drawn to the company's unrelenting commitment to client service and ambitious approach to driving innovation in the public relations industry," said Werner. "I am passionate about evolving our omni-channel marketing offerings and playing a bigger role in MWWPR's incredible 30-year growth story."

Added Kempner: "By elevating Bret to our executive management team, along with Chief People Officer Gina Cherwin, CFO Will Starace and myself, we are truly integrating the foundation of this company.  We succeed only when our people and our clients succeed- that's how an independent, mid-size agency like MWWPR can continue to be nimble, fearless and collaboratively progressive in moving our company and our industry forward."

As another central pillar of the reorganization, Gina Ormand Cherwin has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. In her new role, Cherwin will lead MWWPR's human resources organization, overseeing talent recruitment, development and retention, performance management, organizational development, employee engagement initiatives and company culture.

"As a CEO and founder, there is little more satisfying than watching members of your team develop into true leaders," Kempner said. "Over the past four years, Gina has become the cultural center of MWWPR, and truly epitomizes our mantra of 'care more, work harder, execute flawlessly, and repeat'."

Starace joined MWWPR in May 2015 after serving as CFO of North America for Dentsu Aegis Network.

"Will is an extraordinarily talented executive who has implemented significant positive changes at MWWPR since his arrival eighteen months ago," said Kempner. "He is a true business partner to me and the entire management team.  And as a bonus, he can rock a lapel flower better than any CFO in our industry!"

Cherwin, Werner and Starace will continue to report to Kempner under the new management structure.

About MWWPR

MWWPR is one of the world's top independent public relations agencies with a global network of eight offices across the US and Europe. A full-service firm that approaches communications without the boundaries of expected thinking, MWWPR's expertise spans Consumer Brands, Technology, Corporate Communications and Reputation Management, Public Affairs, Crisis Communications, LGBT, Entertainment, Sports & Luxury Lifestyle, and Health & Wellness. This year, MWWPR celebrates 30 years of providing strategic communications counsel and public relations support for its diverse client portfolio.

With dedicated insights, strategy, data and analytics, social media, creative and technology teams, MWWPR ensures that clients Matter More™ to the stakeholders who matter most. MWWPR's Matter More™ approach has been recognized by numerous, top industry awards including "Company of the Year," "PR Agency of the Year" and "Top Places to Work in PR," in addition to numerous awards for client work.

To learn more about MWWPR, visit http://www.mww.com or follow us on social @MWW_PR.

SOURCE MWWPR