Photo: Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography
Wilson Hartnell (WH) has appointed Peter O’Brien as head of its Corporate and Public Affairs practice.
O’Brien is one of the country’s top PR practitioners and brings 20 years of corporate and public affairs experience to the agency. Recently, he led Diageo’s Corporate Relations function for Western Europe, and was responsible for developing and implementing reputation, policy, communications and sustainability objectives across the region.
He has also held senior public affairs and communications roles in Wyeth (Pfizer) and Keating & Associates. Prior to these private sector roles, Peter built extensive experience in IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
He replaces Sheila Gahan who has stepped down after eight years in the role and 28 years with the company. Gahan is taking on an advisory role as a senior consultant to the agency on a portfolio of corporate accounts.
According to Brian Bell, chief executive of Wilson Hartnell: “We’re delighted to have someone of Peter’s high calibre and wide experience join us to take over the leadership of our Corporate and Public Affairs Practice. His expertise and extensive communications’ skills will help us to achieve our growth ambitions for the practice and I’m confident he will prove to be a great addition to our Senior Leadership Team.”
