NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, one of the world leaders in communications and public relations, today named Bill McIntyre director of its Washington, D.C., office. An award-winning communications professional, McIntyre brings more than 25 years of experience in communications to the role, including work in journalism, association communications and agency public relations, where he built his reputation as an innovator in advocacy strategies, crisis communications and integrated digital engagement.

McIntyre most recently served as executive vice president and group head for the Washington, D.C., office of Edelman. He led digital and traditional public affairs, grassroots and consumer marketing programs on behalf of leading companies and associations in the U.S., Canada and European Union, growing revenue and staff along the way. In addition, he is an adjunct professor in Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies, where he teaches graduate-level courses that focus on digital and traditional communications.

"Bill is a passionate leader who has proven he can grow business and teams, while merging traditional and digital engagement for clients, always with an eye toward the future," said Barri Rafferty, senior partner and CEO of North America. "In addition to his strong relationships in the public affairs sector, Bill's expertise will help to strengthen and evolve our grassroots offering and coalesce the diverse talent of our Washington, D.C., public affairs, digital, social marketing, brand and healthcare teams."

Prior to joining Edelman, McIntyre served in leadership positions and, ultimately, as CEO of Grassroots Enterprise, Inc., a high-tech communications firm that specialized in bipartisan grassroots communications support for causes, products and companies. There he translated political tactics to consumer marketing, launched new services and products, set public relations and communications plans on behalf of Fortune 500 clients, and won a federal General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule award under the Advertising & Integrated Marketing Solutions (AIMS) category.

He has won multiple awards for issues communications and public affairs from the Holmes Report, the American Association of Political Consultants, and the Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet, as well as the Public Affairs Council's Technology Grassroots Innovation Award, among other honors. In addition to his agency work, McIntyre was an award-winning reporter for the Fauquier Times-Democrat in Warrenton, Va., and anchored, reported and wrote broadcast radio news copy for two National Public Radio affiliates, two top-10 local stations and as an Associated Press freelancer in Los Angeles.

"I'm proud to join Ketchum and excited to bring my expertise to a Washington team known industrywide for its creative strategies and content," said McIntyre. "Ketchum holds a unique market position in D.C. where it is poised to leverage its public affairs power on behalf of nontraditional clients facing new challenges born out of activist consumerism. There's plenty of great work on which to build, and I look forward to building business by delivering the creativity and results clients expect from Ketchum."

Kathy Jeavons, partner and associate director, Washington, D.C., who has overseen the office since June, will remain in the associate director role and work closely with McIntyre to lead the office.

About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. The winner of 14 Cannes Lions and an unprecedented four PRWeek Campaign of the Year Awards, Ketchum partners with clients to deliver strategic programming, game-changing creative and measurable results that build brands and reputations. For more information on Ketchum, a part of the DAS Group of Companies, visit www.ketchum.com.

About the DAS Group of Companies
The DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), is a global group of marketing services companies. DAS includes over 200 companies in the following marketing disciplines: specialty, PR, healthcare, CRM, events, promotional marketing, branding and research. Operating through a combination of networks and regional organizations, DAS serves international, regional, national and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

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SOURCE Ketchum