US firm Charles Schwab, the world’s largest internet stock broker,
has appointed Jane Drew to the new post of European public relations
head.
Drew joins from fund manager Fidelity Investments, where she headed
European media relations for two years.
’My role will entail ensuring the consistency of the message in the UK
and Europe. Charles Schwab’s PR has been split into a stand-alone
strategy to take it beyond press relations into lobbying, sponsorship
and full-service,’ said Drew.
Charles Schwab has 21,000 internet investors in Europe, with 500 to
1,000 new investors signing up every week.
Drew’s appointment follows Charles Schwab’s decision to expand into
Europe.
Last month, the broker launched an on-line broker service in US and UK
equities based in Switzerland at a fraction of the commission rates
charged by private banks.
Drew is currently reviewing the firm’s staffing and agency needs.
To date, PR tasks have been undertaken in-house by Guy Knight,
vice-president of European marketing, and by the broker’s agency,
Citigate Dewe Rogerson.
Drew will report directly to UK-based Russ Shaw, senior vice-president
of international marketing.
