Current Chief Operating Officer, Who Has Led the Partnership since 1995, Has Announced Her Retirement as of 2013
New York, New York, July 5, 2012 – The WORLDCOM Public Relations Group (Worldcom) announced the start of its search for a new Managing Director to lead the organization starting in 2013. Current Worldcom COO, Daisy Guthin, who has led the organization for the last 17 consecutive years, has announced her planned retirement for 2013.
A selection committee of Worldcom partners, led by Hal Dash, Cerrell Associates, Los Angeles, is conducting a worldwide search over the next few months to select a Managing Director before the end of 2012. “We expect a smooth transition as we move into our next generation of leadership with both, the retiring and new leaders, working side-by-side for several months in 2013,” Dash said.
Corinna Voss, the newly-elected chair of the group board which governs the global organization said, “Worldcom’s board of directors, together with a Next-Generation committee, has consulted with our partner firms to redefine the leadership role. Plans are to add a full-time communications/administrative position, restructure marketing and finance and re-tool partner recruitment strategies.” She added, “These refinements have strengthened the partnership, and created a new business model for a more successful future.”
Guthin announced her impending retirement to the board two years ago, in order to give the partnership ample time to plan and hire a successor.
“Serving this global organization, comprised of some of the world’s most talented and successful independent public relations professionals, has been a dream job,” Guthin says. “It has been exhilarating to work and be in touch with firms located across the globe on a daily basis. It has also been a privilege to meet the individual culture-centric needs of our 108 partner firms, and to gain a wider understanding of the vast differences, as well as similarities, that exist among people and the PR profession worldwide. This position is especially suited to those who have an international soul coupled with the business acumen to lead this vibrant global organization.”
Qualified applicants may apply for the position through the Worldcom Public Relations Group website.
About the Worldcom Public Relations Group
Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world’s leading partnership of independently owned public relations counseling firms, with 108 offices in 96 markets, across six continents. Established in 1988, it was formed so that the strongest, most capable independent firms could deliver immediate impact and sustained value through the intelligent use of communications – wherever in the world a client needs support. Partners serve national, international and multi-national clients, while retaining the flexibility and client-service focus inherent in independent agencies. Through Worldcom Group, clients have on-demand access to in-depth communications expertise from professionals who understand the language, culture and customs of the geographic areas in which they operate.
Worldcom is led by a Group Board and three Regional Boards in the Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (AP). Worldcom partner firms occupy leadership positions in the world’s major public relations professional organizations and business communities. Worldcom firms, with a total of 2,000 employees, have combined revenues of $227.5 million.
For more information:
Mike Schreurs, CEO
Strategic America
515.453.2000
mschreurs@strategicamerica.com