NEW YORK — Linda Eatherton (pictured), who led Ketchum’s food & beverage practice for 20 years, has left the agency to start her own consultancy dedicated to helping food and agricultural firms accelerate innovation, transformation and positive social impact. Eatherton Consulting will focus on companies, organizations and projects dedicated and designed to have a profound and powerful impact on society and the future of our food supply and value chain.

DETROIT — Lambert & Co. has acquired Casteel Schoenborn Investor Relations & Corporate Communications. The transaction advances Lambert’s strategy to grow its integrated investor relations and public relations offerings for emerging and established market leaders through organic growth, acquisitions and innovation.

NEW YORK — Wise PR and Zimmerman Strategic Communications have struck a partnership to boost capabilities. As part of this new arrangement, Robert Zimmerman will serve as Wise PR global managing director and chief of staff, and be responsible for overseeing agency staff, operations, and client relations while expanding and strengthening Wise PR’s sports, media, entertainment and crisis/reputation management capabilities.

LOS ANGELES — The Hispanic Public Relations Association-Los Angeles chapter has announced its 2020 board of directors and executive leadership team with PR veteran Stephen Chavez of ChavezPR remaining at the helm as president for a third consecutive year. Other officers include VP/president elect Cynthia Zavala of mitú; treasurer Elia Verduzco of Lagrant Communications; and secretary Emily Reza of the Beverly Hills Sports Council.

AUSTIN — The agency Pen & Tell Us has rebranded as Big Thirst Marketing. The comprehensive rebrand further sharpens the agency’s focus on providing strategic marketing services to help clients in the beverage industry grow to the next level.