LOS ANGELES — Praytell has hired Jamie Simpson to lead the agency’s travel practice, which includes overseeing work for Destination Canada. In her new role, Simpson (pictured) will be responsible for garnering new business and overseeing campaigns and initiatives for travel clients. She most recently served as VP, global communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, and held senior positions at MWW, M Booth and Zimmerman Agency before that.
 
NEW YORK — Cabe Franklin will be joining Brunswick Group as partner, client services on April 4. Franklin has worked in senior communications and strategy roles for more than 25 years. He joins from McKinsey & Company, where he most recently led the firm’s change communications practice group. Previously, he co-led McKinsey’s global internal engagement team, and prior to that was a McKinsey strategy consultant.

CHARLOTTE — Joe Flores has been hired as executive VP and chief growth officer for Pemberton. Flores brings more than 20 years of experience to the role. He most recently was at BML Public Relations, where he served as executive VP and chief client officer. Before that, Flores led MWWPR’s sports & entertainment practice.
 
NEW YORK — Peaks Strategies has tapped Morrison “Mo” Shafroth to serve as managing director. Shafroth spent the last six years running his own consultancy, Momentum Communications Strategy. Before that he was a director at Peppercomm.