Changes are coming to the top of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), IPG’s communications and consulting agency.
After nearly three decades at the organization and five years as CEO, Gail Heimann has decided to retire from The Weber Shandwick Collective at the end of this year. Susan Howe, president of The Weber Shandwick Collective, will succeed her. The leadership transition at the earned-first network will take place over the next four months.
Heimann became CEO of TWSC five years ago after holding numerous roles with the company. As CEO, she has expanded its portfolio of blue-chip clients by championing bold thinking and emerging technologies.
Under Heimann’s leadership, TWSC has received numerous accolades, including receiving multiple Agency of the Year honors from PR Week and PRovoke, and most recently being named the top in the Public Relations and Brand Strategies category on Fast Company’s 2024 list of Most Innovative Companies. In 2024, the firm led the strategic communications industry at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, winning the Grand Prix in Brand Experience & Activation, and receiving more shortlists and Lions combined than any other PR network in Cannes for the second year in a row.
“I have been privileged to be a part of the championship team that is The Weber Shandwick Collective and consider myself lucky to have been inspired by the most extraordinary colleagues and clients every day —for at least 7,280 days over the past few decades. But today I am thrilled to hand the reigns over to Susan,” said Heimann in a statement.
Philippe Krakowsky, IPG CEO said that Heimann’s leadership was essential in establishing Weber Shandwick as the go-to choice for C-suite executives and brands seeking strategic guidance on a range of communications issues, and that she positioned the agency to thrive in the new era of earned media.
“We are grateful for her long-term vision, informed by her experience as the company’s creative leader and as a communicator who’s always had her finger on the pulse of culture. We wish her a happy and productive next chapter focusing her creative talent on a range of new endeavors in retirement,” said Krakowsky.
Howe has served as president of Weber Shandwick since June of 2021. During her more than two-decade career at the firm, she has also served as the company’s chief growth officer and chief collaboration officer.
“Susan is a client-focused leader with deep operational expertise, who has been instrumental in the agency’s long-term success. Her deep understanding of the business and her commitment to her colleagues and teams make her the right choice to lead The Weber Shandwick Collective into the future,” said Krakowsky.
Howe said that she is honored to take on the role of CEO and build on the strong foundation that Heimann and other key members of the team created.
“I look forward to continuing to drive opportunity for our teams and impactful results for our clients in the dynamic world of communications. This moment demands transformation and collaboration, including continued alignment with Interpublic agencies across the marketing spectrum and the holding company’s data and technology offerings,” said Howe in a statement.
The transition will take effect in November 2024, ensuring a smooth changeover in leadership.
“Susan brings great expertise and instincts as a practitioner, as well as a gift for collaboration that will guide the firm as it continues to set the standards for our industry,” stated Heimann.