Ketchum Pleon promotes deputy CEO Avril Lee to CEO

She replaces David Gallagher who assumes the newly-created role of London chairman and continues serving as president of Ketchum Pleon Europe. Lee assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the London office.

Gallagher said: ‘As deputy CEO, Avril helped usher in a new period of collaboration and connectivity between practices, which was a big factor in the London office’s overall success over the past few years.’

Lee has served as London’s deputy CEO for more than three years, working with senior leadership to develop the office's healthcare, consumer and corporate affairs practices. She joined Ketchum in 2003 as deputy managing director of the London healthcare practice.

Ketchum senior partner and CEO Ray Kotcher said: ‘She is a proven leader with a clear understanding of driving results for clients, the London office and the agency as a whole.’