LONDON — Weber Shandwick has elevated two senior executives in EMEA, as its regional leadership takes shape under incoming CEO Tim Sutton, who succeeds Colin Byrne from the start of 2018.

Jonas Palmqvist, deputy CEO and COO of Prime Weber Shandwick in Sweden adds the role of COO for Weber Shandwick, EMEA.  Meanwhile, London MD Rachel Friend is promoted to UK and Ireland CEO, a role previously held by Byrne. 

Both Palmqvist and Friend will report to Sutton and take on their new responsibilities in January. They come after Sutton added EMEA leadership to his international remit at Weber Shandwick, overseeing a regional strategic leadership board that supports his expanded portfolio.

"Jonas has worked closely with our Weber Shandwick global and regional senior management teams since 2014, helping to drive the very successful integration of Prime into the broader Weber Shandwick network," said Sutton in an internal memo to staff. "He brings to his new role outstanding commercial acumen, high standards of operational excellence and a track record of client service innovation."

"In the last three years, Rachel  has led the large and complex London business to outperform the market by focussing on innovation to drive our talent strategy and client transformation," added Sutton. "She has guided London through this transitional period with a collaborative, client centric approach."