Stephen Waddington Appointed Digital and Social Media Director for Ketchum's European Operations

LONDON, September 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Ketchum, one of the world's leading communications firms, today announced that Stephen Waddington has joined its European management team as digital and social media director for Ketchum's European operations.

Based in London, Waddington will advise clients served by Ketchum teams in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and the U.K., as well as those assisted globally by the agency from North America, Asia and Latin America.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Stephen in the group. His track record as a clear-thinking adviser, innovator and team mentor will nicely complement our service proposition across the region, as well as bring added benefit to our clients and additional firepower to our digital and social media leadership," said David Gallagher, senior partner and CEO, Europe.

Waddington brings nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist, consultant and author, earning a reputation as a moderniser, thought-leader and consumer engagement advocate through senior roles with Speed Communications, Admiral Marketing & PR and Rainier PR. Formerly the managing director of Speed Communications, he ran one of the U.K.'s most dynamic and innovative consultancies, at which he worked with clients that include the Associated Press, The Economist, Tesco and Virgin Media Business. He is a regular commentator on issues related to modern brand communications and reputation, and earlier this year he co-authored Brand Anarchy, a provocative book on brands, social media and PR.

Waddington joins the Ketchum team in December.

About Ketchum

Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. Named 2012 PR Agency of the Year (PRWeek) and the winner of an unprecedented three consecutive 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 Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., visit http://www.ketchum.com.

About Diversified Agency Services

Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (http://www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organisations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

About Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group Inc. (http://www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.