PLYMOUTH, MI — Automaker Rivian has appointed Michael McHale director of communications. McHale (pictured) joins Rivian after 11 years as director of corporate communications at Subaru of America.  His appointment follows other recent senior arrivals at Rivian as the company prepares itself to launch two all-new vehicles in the US from 2020.

BIRMINGHAM — Protective Life Corporation has hired Mary Pat Lawrence to serve as senior VP of government affairs. Laurence will pay a key role in Protective’s state and federal legislative affairs, as well as regulatory matters. She joins from Allstate Insurance Company, where she served as VP and assistant general counsel.

CHICAGO — The cannabis company Cresco Labs has hired communications strategist Jason Erkes as its first chief communications officer. Erkes, a former journalist and entrepreneur, has served as a consultant to the company for three years and now officially joins Cresco Labs as the company builds out its leadership.  

SAN BRUNO, CA — Customer engagement software company Freshworks has named David Thompson chief marketing officer. Thompson’s experience includes serving as WebEx CMO, as which he launched WebEx and positioned it for  IPO and subsequent buyout by Cisco. He also founded and served as CEO of the marketing automation company Genuis.com/LeadRocket.