Stephen Waddington appointed Digital and Social Media Director for Ketchum's European Operations

Some very exciting personal news follows below and in The Drum, Gorkana, PR Week and The Holmes Report. More to follow when I start in December. Stephen Waddington Appointed Digital and Social Media Director for Ketchum's European Operations

LONDON, September 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, one of the world's leading communications firms, today announced that Stephen Waddington has joined its European management team as digital and social media director for Ketchum's European operations.

Based in London, Waddington will advise clients served by Ketchum teams in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and the U.K., as well as those assisted globally by the agency fromNorth America, Asia and Latin America.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Stephen in the group. His track record as a clear-thinking adviser, innovator and team mentor will nicely complement our service proposition across the region, as well as bring added benefit to our clients and additional firepower to our digital and social media leadership," said David Gallagher, senior partner and CEO, Europe.

Waddington brings nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist, consultant and author, earning a reputation as a moderniser, thought-leader and consumer engagement advocate through senior roles with Speed Communications, Admiral Marketing & PR and Rainier PR. Formerly the managing director of Speed Communications, he ran one of the U.K.'s most dynamic and innovative consultancies, at which he worked with clients that include the Associated Press, The Economist, Tesco and Virgin Media Business. He is a regular commentator on issues related to modern brand communications and reputation, and earlier this year he co-authored Brand Anarchy, a provocative book on brands, social media and PR.

Waddington joins the Ketchum team in December.

The original press release is posted in full on the Ketchum web site.