Cohn & Wolfe Announces Planned Management Transition

Agency Introduces Competency/Industry Practice Model

NEW YORK - Following a successful merger of Cohn & Wolfe and GCI Group, Jeff Hunt, the former CEO of GCI, has taken on a counseling role working with Cohn & Wolfe clients from his base in Texas. As part of the transition, Geoff Beattie, head of Cohn & Wolfe's Energy Practice, will assume Hunt's responsibility as leader of the agency's global practices.

"I had made a decision earlier this year to stay closer to my Texas roots, but am committed to Cohn & Wolfe and its vision to build an entrepreneurial enterprise," said Hunt. "Donna is a strong and accomplished leader and the senior team is among the best in the industry. But at this point in my career it's time to stay in one place for a while. My home and heart are in Texas."

"Jeff has led our efforts in building the architecture for the practice structure. He has also been instrumental in helping us through the initial phase of the merger," said Donna Imperato, CEO, Cohn & Wolfe. "Now that these goals have been achieved, Jeff can take on a counseling role in the agency."

Cohn & Wolfe's new global practice structure includes both industry and competency practices that work together to bring a wider range of expertise to clients. Cohn & Wolfe's global practice leaders include: Geoff Beattie, Energy; Steve Bonsignore, Sports Marketing; Claudia Carasso, Technology; Annie Longsworth, Sustainability; Bill Martin, Healthcare; Michael O'Brien, Consumer; Joe Rutledge, Corporate; Melissa Schumer, Entertainment; and Paul Walker, Digital Media. Cohn & Wolfe will not be filling the role of president.

Said Geoff Beattie: "I believe our new competency/industry practice structure offers clients a distinctive, 360 degree service model. It provides expertise across the range of issues that clients are facing in today's complex environment. I'm looking forward to leading our global practices effort."

"Geoff has done an outstanding job starting our global energy practice and attracting some of the largest companies in the world. His ability to develop and market serious thought leadership initiatives has resulted in published articles, new business successes and strong client relationships," said Imperato. "His experience and strong intellect make him the natural leader of our global practices."

About Cohn & Wolfe
Cohn & Wolfe is a strategic public relations agency dedicated to creating, building and protecting the world's most prolific brands. With offices around the world, the agency is committed to breaking new ground in the delivery of cross-channel media strategies, creative programming, and practice area excellence.

Cohn & Wolfe is recognized year after year by clients and the industry for excellence in creativity, client service, digital communications, media strategy, senior management and strategic counsel. Cohn & Wolfe also consistently ranks among the top "Best Agencies to Work For" in an annual, industry-wide employee survey. For more information, visit: www.cohnwolfe.com. Cohn & Wolfe is part of WPP plc (Nasdaq: WPPGY), one of the world's largest communications services group.

Contacts:
Donna Imperato
Cohn & Wolfe
New York
212.798.9799