BOSTON — Wireside Communications has promoted Stephen Russell to senior VP part of a larger push to further the firm’s expansion plans.

In his new role, Russell will be working with Wireside partners on implementing the agency’s growth plan, which includes expanding current relationships and identifying areas of growth. Russell will also continue to lead account teams handling clients such as NTT, Infineon and Enfabrica as he’s done during his three years at the agency, most recently as a VP.

“Stephen has strong business acumen and is someone who sees opportunity in everything he works on.  From the moment he came onboard, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work helping us to build trust with clients, partners and the media.  He has truly shaped Wireside,” said partner and co-CEO Joya Subudhi. “His ability to deliver excellent client service, and mentor and manage teams effectively has supported the firm’s roughly 200% growth over the past two years.”

Russell’s promotion is one of several recent personnel moves Wireside has made to keep pace with that growth.

Others include adding new hires Karen Pescador, who leads recruiting; Hanna Kang, a West Coast-based PR consultant; Clifford Yeung, who joined Wireside’s Virginia team as a senior account executive; and Yeabsira Aklilu and Karli McGuire, both of whom are program coordinators.

“We are building a team that will help us grow as an agency. This means hiring people with the right skill sets to meet the changing complexion of our industry,” said RJ Bardsley, also a Wireside partner and co-CEO. “We are creating a relatively new mix of services -— including narrative development, brand-focused events, blended media programs, social media, media buying and light creative.  While none of these by themselves are revolutionary, we believe the way we are blending programs offers a new comms approach to many brands out there.  We’re hiring a team that understands this and can help us deliver on it.”