WASHINGTON: Ketchum has named Bill McIntyre, EVP and group head of Edelman’s Washington office, to lead its operations in DC.
Prior to Edelman, McIntyre served in various leadership roles at Grassroots Enterprise, culminating in a stint as CEO. Edelman bought the firm in 2009.
In a memo obtained by PRWeek announcing McIntyre’s hire, Ketchum noted that it "focused on finding an individual who would work with our DC leadership team to take the office forward in the fast-changing climate."
It added that he will focus on "our client relationships and growing new services" in the role.
McIntyre also served in VP roles at Direct Impact and Nelson Communications, and worked as the head spokesman for the National Rifle Association earlier in his career. He is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. Early in his career, McIntyre was a reporter for the Fauquier Times-Democrat in Warrenton, VA, as well as a radio journalist.
Kathy Jeavons, partner and associate director for Washington at Ketchum, will continue in that role, working with McIntyre. She had overseen the DC office since June, when Nick Ragone left to join health system Ascension as CCO.
"As you know, this year has been full of challenges, from geopolitical turmoil to macroeconomic headwinds to the departure of a director," the firm said in the memo, which also thanked Jeavons and the DC leadership team for their dedication.
McIntyre could not be immediately reached for comment.
Edelman regional president for Washington Rob Rehg said the firm is looking to fill the role.
"Our grassroots work is one of the fastest-growing parts of our business, and we have a search underway," he said, via email.
