Weber Shandwick Hires Global Chief Technology Officer, Appoints General Manager of San Francisco and Silicon Valley Offices

NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading global public relations firms, announced today it has named Lee Noonan Global Chief Technology Officer, in addition to the appointment of Luca Penati as general manager, San Francisco and Silicon Valley, and Mediaco Lead for the Western Region, as the firm deepens its expertise in technology development and content creation.

Noonan joins Weber Shandwick from Havas Worldwide Digital. A technology expert with nearly two decades of experience in enterprise software, internet infrastructure and web application organizations, Noonan will be based in New York and oversee the application and integration of existing and emerging technologies for both Weber Shandwick and its clients. He reports to CMG Chief Information Officer Craig Smith and Weber Shandwick Chief Operating Officer Frank Okunak.

"The world we and our clients live in is increasingly defined by digital technology. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to build new paths and invent new applications of technology that make engagement, the core of our communications business, better," said Gail Heimann, president of Weber Shandwick. "Lee has deep expertise and an even farther-reaching vision for invention. In our mission to be 'engaging, always,' we look forward to his leadership as we chart a new course for PR and develop new solutions for clients and our increasingly digitized workforce."

Previously, Noonan built and managed a business development group for Metapa, a software company focused on automating data exchange between enterprises over the internet, as well as serving as Director of Strategic Marketing and Business Planning at Digital Island. Prior to that, Noonan served as Principal Consultant at Oracle, managing multi-million-dollar implementations of decision-making software at several of the world's largest international financial institutions.

Luca Penati Drives Content Creation in Silicon Valley
Penati joins Weber Shandwick from Ogilvy West in San Francisco, where he was Managing Director of Content and Social, and led content marketing efforts for blue chip clients. As general manager, San Francisco and Silicon Valley, and Mediaco Lead for the Western Region, Penati will oversee growth and operations for the firm's Northern California offices in addition to focusing on content creation strategy for new and existing clients. He reports to Weber Shandwick president of North America Sara Gavin and global head of Mediaco Jason Wellcome. Mediaco is the firm's award-winning content publishing and distribution offering that delivers a comprehensive and consultative approach to brands as media.

"Content creation is the new currency in today's landscape," continued Heimann. "Not only do we need to invent and deploy transformative technologies to communicate bold ideas, but success ultimately requires powerful content to incite, to activate, to engage. Luca has the unique ability and experience to merge innovation with content. As he drives our business in the heart of Silicon Valley, we look forward to his leadership in developing solutions that define the next dimension of PR."

Penati succeeds Brad Williams, acting general manager of Weber Shandwick's Northern California operations, after 18 months of strong growth as Williams turns his focus to his core role as leader of the firm's North America Technology practice.

Penati's expertise spans more than 25 years helping global and start-up companies in brand-building, reputation, and social and content marketing. He has previously served as Managing Director of Ogilvy Public Relations' global technology practice for more than eight years, in addition to his role as co-lead of Ogilvy's global content practice. He has held leadership positions in Edelman's Silicon Valley operation, including as GM. Penati began the early part of his career in Italy and has been based in San Francisco for more than 15 years. 

About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations firm with offices in 81 countries. The firm's diverse team of thinkers, strategists, analysts, producers, designers, developers and campaign activators has won the most prestigious awards in the world for innovative, creative approaches and impactful work, including being honored as a 2014 Ad Age A-List Agency and winning 23 Cannes Lions together with its Prime unit since 2009. Weber Shandwick was also named PRWeek's International Consultancy of the Year and The Holmes Report's Best Healthcare Consultancy in the World in 2013, in addition to earning numerous best place to work accolades. The firm deploys deep expertise across sectors and specialty areas, including consumer marketing, corporate reputation, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate social responsibility, financial communications and crisis management, using proprietary social, digital and analytics methodologies. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.

SOURCE Weber Shandwick