Worldcom Appoints First Managing Director

Todd Lynch to Lead Worldcom’s Strategic Expansion Efforts

WORLDCOM Public Relations Group (Worldcom), of which Kaizo is a partner of, is the world’s leading partnership of independently owned public relations (PR) firms. The organisation has 128 offices employing 1,900 staff in 102 markets across six continents. Today Worldcom announced the appointment of Todd Lynch as its first Managing Director starting September 2, 2013.

Reporting to the Worldcom Group Board, the new Managing Director’s roles include setting strategy and direction for the company, and elevating shared best practices and knowledge so that client-communication programs have immediate impact and lasting value.  He is charged also with raising the visibility of Worldcom’s brand globally, and representing it successfully in the international PR community.  In addition, he will continue to fuel Worldcom’s growth by recruiting new partners worldwide and establishing a stronger revenue base that drives the delivery of enhanced services to partners – empowering them to compete more efficiently at local, regional and global levels.

“We are delighted that Todd has accepted this strategic position, especially since he has been a Worldcom partner for 13 years, so he understands Worldcom clearly and knows our partners well,” said Stephanie Paul, Worldcom Global Chair and Managing Director of Phillips Group in Brisbane.  “Because of his 20-plus years in leadership positions in PR and integrated-communications agencies, he has a demonstrated track record in leading clients and staff in today’s rapidly evolving PR and communications marketplace.  He also has proven management skills that will be critical in advancing Worldcom’s position globally, enhancing partner value with tools and resources, and facilitating our partners to share more business to foster stronger relationships and improve their bottom lines.”

“This is an exciting time to further strengthen Worldcom’s 25-year success as the world’s leading partnership of independent firms.  I am fully committed to working closely with the Worldcom Group Board and its three regional boards to assist partners in competing more proficiently,” said Lynch.  “I have a deep understanding of Worldcom’s needs from a partner’s perspective, and fresh insights to support Worldcom’s future growth.”

Lynch, who was formerly Vice President, Client Relations at Worldcom partner firm St. John & Partners in Jacksonville, Florida, was serving as Worldcom’s Americas Region board chair and chair-elect of the Worldcom Group board at the time of his appointment.

His selection came at the end of a comprehensive 12-month search involving over 160 applicants, conducted by a search committee of the board led by Hal Dash, President of Cerrell Associates, Los Angeles.  “Our committee has been preparing for the succession of our retiring Worldcom Chief Operating Officer, Daisy Guthin, who has led the organization for the last 18 years,” said Dash.  “We expect a smooth transition between Daisy and Todd over the next few months.”

“Serving this vibrant global organization and working hand-in-hand with some of the most talented PR professionals has been immensely rewarding,” said Guthin.  “I have had the privilege of collaborating with the most successful independent PR firms across the globe on a daily basis – enabling the group to develop processes that meet the culture-centric needs of our partners around the world.  I am very excited about this new and expanded position and know Todd will do a superb job taking Worldcom to higher levels of worldwide recognition and impact.”