NEW YORK —  Ruder Finn has named Travis Murdock executive VP in its technology and innovation practice. Prior to joining Ruder Finn, Murdock served as the global head of marketing for Xinova, a market network of over 12,000 innovators, where he oversaw product and digital marketing, corporate communications, public relations, analyst relations and user acquisition. His agency experience includes eight years as a senior VP of Edelman’s Silicon Valley office.  

WASHINGTON — Banner Public Affairs has hired Emily Grannis as director, communications and public relations expanding the team’s automotive and manufacturing knowledge. Grannis comes to Banner following more than two years working as the director of marketing at Pirelli Tire’s North American motorcycle business unit where she was responsible for creating and executing strategies relating to corporate marketing, communications and advertising. In this role, she oversaw the day-to-day marketing and public relations efforts for trade, consumers, media and brand influencers from events to content creation.

NEW YORK — Finn Partners has named Diana Scott a partner in its health practice. In this new position, Scott will report to Kristie Kuhl, managing partner, who leads New York and Chicago health, and serves as the practice US pharma group head. Scott joins Finn from Porter Novelli, where she oversaw one of the agency’s largest oncology accounts, encompassing internal and external franchise and product communications.

NASHVILLE — GS&F has promoted four team members to departmental leadership roles.  Emilie Guthrie, who joined the agency in 2014, has been named VP and director of account management. Patrick Sherry has been promoted to VP and director of business development. Kristin Nelson has been promoted to director of public relations. Evanne Lindley has been named the director of interactive products and services after serving on the account management team since 2016.