NEW YORK — Shift Communications has named Annie Perkins managing director East, leading client teams and operations in Boston and New York. In 2011, Perkins (pictured) was brought on to help accelerate growth of the consumer practice in Boston and has been a driving force behind many of Shift’s programs in the consumer, technology and healthcare sectors. In addition, Kara Armit, a 17-year agency vet, has been named chief of staff.  Sarah Babbitt transitions to VP, marketing after working with high-tech clients in Shift’s B2B practice for the past eight years.

NEW YORK — Magrino has hired Chris Walters as its new senior VP, travel and real estate, a new position for the company. Walters has nearly 20 years of integrated marketing experience serving luxury lifestyle, travel, and real estate clients around the world. Prior to joining Magrino, he held senior positions with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Pernod Ricard USA, and NJFPR, where he served as managing director.   

WASHINGTON — JPA Health has hired Kate Paxton as a senior VP. Paxton joins from Ketchum, where she most recently held the roles of managing director, London health, senior VP of Washington, health, and senior VP.
 
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Taft Communications has hired Blair Hunter-Grant as senior communications manager. Hunter-Grant joined Taft with more than 10 years of experience in communications and media production, most recently specializing in consumer home and lifestyle brands.