Weber Shandwick adds strategic counsel position through the appointment of James Abbott
Weber Shandwick has appointed James Abbott from Melbourne-based agency Royce Communications into the new position of strategic counsel of its Australian operations.
Abbott will be responsible for the firm’s corporate, lifestyle, healthcare, digital and technology practices and will report directly to chairman Ian Rumsby.
The appointment follows Weber Shandwick’s expansion to Melbourne last month and the appointment of Simon Schweigert as general manager – Melbourne.
Abbott will be based in Sydney.
“James’ appointment signals another important milestone in the development and expansion of our client services in the market. I’m delighted to have him join us at such an exciting time in our development,” said chairman Ian Rumsby.
Can you pls explain what strategic counsel means relative to the other roles within the agency?
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Does this mean the GM and MD roles are now redundant ? As I can’t see how an agency of webers size needs a chairman MD, GM and strategic counsel ? Plus all the individual practice heads…
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More Jobs are needed.
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Hi Sven and Anonymous,
Chairman Ian Rumsby gave us the following answers to your questions:
“James’ appointment does not mean the GM and MD roles are now redundant. We have some people on maternity leave at the moment and they’re all scheduled to return to us later this year.”
“James was appointed for a number of reasons. The first is a need to enhance our issues and crisis management expertise and also to begin to put a foot on the ground with regards to regulatory affairs. This is an area where we are increasingly being sought counsel by our clients therefore it is important to have that function. In addition it forges a stronger connection nationwide. James has a long heritage as a Melbourne-based practitioner which will enable us to draw greater continuity between the two markets. ”
Cheers,
Alice – Mumbrella
Good work Abbo. All the best with the new gig.
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