Weber Shandwick appoints SLAM PR's Steve Strickland in senior creative role

Weber Shandwick announces today its hire of Steve Strickland as Head of Creativity.

Strickland joins Weber Shandwick from lifestyle marketing agency SLAM PR, and will report to UK & European CEO Colin Byrne. Tasked with further driving Weber Shandwick’s creative capabilities across the UK, Strickland will work cross-agency sitting as part of the firm’s UK central team.

Strickland joins from lifestyle marketing agency SLAM PR, where he spent three years working across a number of key client accounts including Braun Male Grooming, Lotus Cars, Ask Jeeves and Zippo, the iconic lighter brand.  Steve joined SLAM PR in its inception year and was a key part of the senior management team and the agency’s growth, before leaving.

Prior to SLAM PR, Strickland spent five years at Hill & Knowlton where he worked for the agency’s then youth division piranhaKid, working across brands including Heineken Beer, adidas, Ford Cars, Right Guard Xtreme and Xtreme sport. Prior to leaving Hill & Knowlton, Strickland worked across the agency’s P&G business, taking a lead on the celebrity and brand ambassador activation platforms including campaigns for Fairy, Lenor and Bold.

Commenting on his appointment, UK & European CEO Colin Byrne said: “I’m delighted to welcome Steve to Weber Shandwick. Creativity is at the heart of everything we do and Steve’s appointment will further strengthen our creative capabilities. With his background and experience, he will be a valuable asset to both our staff and clients across the UK.”

Strickland added: “With the agency’s ever-growing strategic planning and digital capabilities, as well as a proven record in great, award-winning campaigns, Weber Shandwick was a natural choice for me.  As creativity still battles with its own PR versus that of the advertising agency, it is great to work at an agency that puts so much emphasis on its creative muscle.”