NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading global public relations agencies, today announced that Tim Fry has been named chair of the Global Technology practice.  

In his 16 years with the firm, Fry has helped lead the charge on collaboration, best practices and delivering ideas for clients that work in key markets around the world. He has worked with some of the most respected global technology brands, including Microsoft, Motorola Mobility, and Samsung, among others.  

"Tim is an exceptional leader and client counselor focused on best practices and innovation for clients and teams alike," said Andy Polansky, Chief Executive Officer of Weber Shandwick. "As Weber Shandwick continues to strengthen its technology portfolio, Tim's deep knowledge of this sector and global experience will help to enhance our service to clients."

Bolstering Firm's Northern California Operations

Fry will spend most of his time in Weber Shandwick's Northern California operations to further bolster the firm's presence in this key technology corridor. In addition to Fry's appointment, the firm has tasked Brad Williams, president, North American Technology practice, and Julianne Whitelaw, senior vice president and Corporate practice lead in Northern California, to help co-lead the firm's Northern California operations on an interim basis to support Fry on these efforts. Williams and Whitelaw will report to Fry and to Cathy Calhoun, president, North America. Tony Hynes, who previously had oversight for Northern California, will be leaving the firm later this month for a career shift as a communications consultant.  

Maggs Promoted to Lead Seattle Office

With Fry's appointment, Michelle Maggs, senior vice president and management supervisor, has been promoted to executive vice president and general manager of the Seattle office. Maggs has spent the last 14 years at the firm overseeing leading global technology client programs in the business and consumer sectors.

Weber Shandwick's Global Technology practice is one of the largest worldwide networks of technology public relations professionals. With clients that span all segments of technology, from emerging business to some of the largest brands in the industry, Weber Shandwick's Technology practice is consistently recognized for delivering results that matter for clients in the marketplace.

About Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations firm with offices in 81 countries around the world. The firm has won numerous awards for innovative approaches and creative campaigns including being named both The Holmes Report's 2012 Global Agency of the Year and the "Most Creative PR Firm in the World," based on the agency's first-place finish in its "Creative Index," as well as PR News' 2012 Digital PR Firm of the Year. Major practice areas include consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate and crisis management. The firm has deep, award-winning expertise in social media and digital marketing that helps drive engagement. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.

SOURCE Weber Shandwick