NEW YORK – Weber Shandwick has named Cathy Calhoun to its newly-created chief client officer post, as Sara Gavin steps up as president of North America.

Calhoun has led Weber’s North American operation since 2008 and has been with the firm for more than two decades. In her new role, she’ll ensure the agency is drawing upon its “depth and breadth of expertise” for clients across geographies and practice areas, said CEO Andy Polansky, who Calhoun will report into.

Gavin, previously president of Weber's Minneapolis office, takes over as head of the US and Canada after nearly 30 years with the firm. She reports to Weber president Gail Heimann. Eric Pehle, EVP and GM for the firm’s Minneapolis office, will continue in his role managing operations there.

Meanwhile, Weber also named Susan Howe as head of global consumer marketing – a role left open when Lisa Sepulveda joined Edelman as president of global client relationship management in March.
Howe, previously Weber's Chicago president, has been with the agency for 17 years and will now oversee the its largest practice area. She reports to Heimann.

With Howe’s promotion, Rana Komar has been named to GM of the Chicago office – Weber’s third-largest operation. Komar previously served in leadership roles in the Chicago office and within the firm's consumer marketing practice.