The 28-year-old American is to replace Miriam Hughesman, who is joining Weber Shandwick in California. He had been acting in the Luton-based role since it emerged that Hughesman was heading for the exit (PRWeek, 6 May).
Prager was formerly brand comms manager for Symbicort. Recruitment is under way to fill this role. He heads a four-strong team comprising Kerrie Cooke and Claire Puddiphatt (both on external and internal comms) and Caroline Benson (internal comms).
Before moving to the UK with AZ two and a half years ago, Prager worked for Ogilvy PR Worldwide in New York and London. Prior to that he was a summer intern at the White House.