NEW YORK — The latest in a spate of personnel moves, BCW has hired Michael Ann Thomas away from APCO Worldwide to head its technology practice.


In her new role as executive VP, global technology solutions, Thomas is charged with growing the agency’s tech group, as well as fostering the adoption of technology and creation of integrated campaigns across sectors. Expanding BCW’s tech offerings, counseling clients  and working with non-tech teams so they, too, can leverage capabilities will be among her responsibilities.

Thomas replaces Rowan Benecke, who stepped down from the global technology chair role he held at Burson-Marsteller since 2014, joining a number of senior B-M executives who have left the agency since its dramatic takeover by Cohn & Wolfe earlier this year.

“I was searching for someone who has the energy and vision to propel our global strategy forward and lead in this highly competitive practice area," said global CEO Donna Imperato.  “What is so striking about Michael Ann Thomas is that she is not bound by convention.  She’s fearless at a time when we need bold ideas, uninhibited creativity and a sophisticated understanding of the evolution of the world of technology. Michael knows what’s driving global businesses.”


Thomas has spent the last two years leading APCO’s global tech practice as chair, and was an Edelman VP and group director before that. She also sat on the board of the Hacking Medicine Institute — an offshoot of the MIT Hacking Medicine program, which teaches and promotes healthcare entrepreneurism and use of technology to solve health problems.

Thomas' hiring is the latest step in BCW shaping its tech offering. In addition to Benecke's departure, BCW is building out its tech practice by bringing European-based tech agency Axicom to the US — the first step in a push to expand the brand around the world. That agency is being led by Emily Dunlop, who was named president after heading PPR US, a B-M agency that with others has been rolled into Axicom.