Advertising Strategy Reviews

Events Firm Ignition Hires Sustainability Chief

Ignition, an Atlanta-based experiential marketing agency that creates live events and campaigns, has appointed Thatcher Young as its first sustainability director. He will spearhead a program designed to help the agency lead the way in working with clients, suppliers, other agencies and NGOs to significantly reduce the environmental impact of global campaigns, tours and events. In an industry heavily reliant on energy, fuels and related materials, Ignition is one of the first experiential marketing firms to integrate environmental sustainability across its operations and projects. Previously, Young served as sustainability advisor and outreach manager to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, where he was a core member of the "Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia" team.

Porter Novelli Adds 2 Senior Players

Global public relations agency Porter Novelli has hired veteran communications strategist Catherine "Kiki" McLean (shown) as partner, global head of public affairs and managing director of the shop's Washington, D.C., office. McLean most recently served as a partner of the Dewey Square Group, a public affairs consulting firm, where she led the communications practice. She appears frequently on national television as a political and current events commentator. McLean succeeds longtime Porter Novelli executive Carolyn Tieger, who announced her retirement earlier this year. McLean will oversee Porter Novelli's public affairs teams across its global network. "With Kiki onboard, we are taking our agency game to the next level at a time when the business of Washington is wielding more influence for all our clients worldwide," said Gary Stockman, CEO of Porter Novelli, in a statement. Separately, the agency has added online marketing pioneer and popular blogger Stephanie Agresta, who will serve as evp, director of digital strategy and social media. The appointment is further evidence that Porter Novelli is taking a dramatic lead in digital marketing and online communications, the agency said.