LONDON: Weber Shandwick Worldwide has appointed two UK managing
directors for its tech practices to replace departing CEO Cathy
Pittham.
Red Whistle MD Zoe Arden assumes the wider role of Weber Group MD, while
Michelle McGlocklin becomes MD of Miller/Shandwick Technologies. Both
served as deputy MDs under Pittham.
According to Arden, both firms have always been separate companies, and
have had separate MDs. She described Pittham's CEO position as a special
role allowing her to oversee both organizations during the course of the
WSW merger, having taken up the CEO role in October of last year.
Arden added that it was an opportunity to streamline the firm. Of
Pittham's original appointment, she added, "She was already MD of The
Weber Group at the time of the merger, and there was no MD at
Miller/Shandwick, so it made sense for her to oversee both businesses.
But it is a very difficult role for one person to oversee."
Pittham described her departure as her own choice, citing a desire to
spend more time with her young family as motivation for her
decision.
She has not taken up a new job in PR.
Both appointees report to joint UK CEOs Colin Byrne and David Brain.
Arden will effectively continue to head Red Whistle, which will remain
as a division of The Weber Group.