Weber Shandwick Names Laura Schoen Chair, Latin America

NEW YORK – Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s leading global public relations firms, today announced it has appointed Laura Schoen to Chair, Latin America. In her newly expanded role, in addition to her global healthcare responsibilities, Schoen will focus on further driving Weber Shandwick’s business growth in Latin America, particularly in emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile. She will continue to serve as president of the firm’s global healthcare practice.

“Laura has spearheaded the development of a powerhouse global healthcare practice for the firm,” said Andy Polansky, president, Weber Shandwick. “Her deep expertise, particularly her work on global initiatives and firsthand understanding of the Latin American market, are a powerful combination as we continue to work and invest in these markets and focus on opportunities to advocate for our clients in the region.”

Schoen joined Weber Shandwick in late 2000 and has led several groundbreaking campaigns in Latin America. Over the course of her career she has worked on programs for investment banks, pharmaceuticals and tourism in the region.

She grew up in Rio de Janeiro and has spent extended periods in Argentina and Mexico. In addition, she speaks both Portuguese and Spanish.

About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in 77 markets around the world. The firm’s success is built on its deep commitment to client service, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, corporate/financial and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advocacy advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. Weber Shandwick was recognized as PRWeek’s 2009 Global Agency Report Card Gold Medal Winner, named Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report and Large PR Firm of the Year by PR News in 2008. The firm also won the United Nations Grand Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations for a lifestyles educational campaign in India. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.