The PR giant Huntsworth has appointed Paul Taaffe as successor to CEO Lord Chadlington when he retires in April this year.
Taaffe (pictured right) has spent the past two years as director of communications at e-commerce firm Groupon, which acts as an online hub for gift certificates for goods and services.
He also has senior experience on the agency side, spending 20 years at WPP’s PR consultancy Hill & Knowlton, including eight years as chairman and CEO.
Derek Mapp, chairman of Huntsworth, welcomed his company’s new CEO: “His extensive knowledge of public relations, e-commerce and digital communications will ensure he makes an immediate contribution to our business.
“Paul will join early in April 2015 but in the intervening months he will meet key Huntsworth executives and familiarise himself with our four divisions,” added Mapp.
Lord Chadlington spent 14 years as CEO of Huntsworth
Huntsworth’s current CEO Lord Chadlington announced his intention to step down from the group – which counts the Red Consultancy and Huntsworth Health among its businesses – in August last year.
He spent 14 years in charge of Huntsworth as part of a career in PR that has extended over decades and includes advising former Prime Minister John Major and founding the PR firm Shandwick.
Mapp paid tribute to his departing CEO: “For the last 14 years, Lord Chadlington has made an immense contribution to Huntsworth and I am delighted that his experience and contacts will continue to be available to our existing and potential clients.”
Huntsworth also announced that Sally Withey, chief operating officer and finance director, has left the company due to problems with her health.
Mapp said: “I would like to thank Sally for her contribution to the company over a number of years. I hope that her health will recover further and wish her all the best for the future.”