NEW YORK: Press-release-distribution company Business Wire has hired Scott Fedonchik to lead its marketing efforts.
As VP of marketing, Fedonchik reports to Business Wire president Gregg Castano. He succeeds the company’s former SVP of marketing Tom Becktold, who departed the role in August after 26 years to become a senior management consultant in the b-to-b space. In the interim, Castano oversaw the marketing function to ensure continuity, he previously told PRWeek.
With 12 direct reports, Fedonchik is tasked with overseeing marketing for the company’s US and international teams, which consists of branding, positioning, trade and b-to-b marketing, social media, content marketing, tradeshow presence, and industry partnerships. He joined Business Wire at the end of October.
"My primary objective right now is to help design our messaging for the marketplace," said Fedonchik. "I will be helping our customers better understand our value proposition, our unique benefits, and the products we design, to help them communicate their news to their constituents."
Most recently, Fedonchik worked at Wenner Media, serving as head of marketing for Rolling Stone, RollingStone.Com, and Men's Journal. During his time at Wenner, he was tasked with creating advertising programs for blue-chip companies, including digital and print elements. He left the media company this past summer.
A Wenner representative declined to comment on Fedonchik’s departure, but said Kerri Bergman was hired as head of marketing for Rolling Stone in October. She is not working on Men’s Journal as part of the role.
Prior to Wenner, Fedonhick was VP of marketing communications at WebMD. He also previously served as senior executive brand director for Conde Nast's golf publishing division, where he managed strategic alliances with PGA Tour sponsors and broadcast networks, as well as custom publishing opportunities for Golf Digest's magazine and digital properties.
Business Wire has also promoted numerous staffers on its media relations team. It named Raschanda Hall as director of global media relations, reporting to media relations and product services EVP Laura Sturaitis. Hall will develop strategies to further establish and expand Business Wire's circuit offerings and targeted delivery using the latest technology and communications tools, the company said in a statement.
It also named both Pilar Portela-Webb, based in Miami, and Seattle-based Matthew Allinson to the role of media relations manager.
This story was updated on November 13 with additional information about Business Wire's media relations team.
