Weber Shandwick has named Hugh Taggart as CEO of the EMEA region.
In his new role, Hugh will report to Global President Jim O’Leary and oversee more than 1,400 practitioners across the firm’s second-largest global region. Weber Shandwick’s EMEA division spans 22 total offices, including operations in London, Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Dubai and Johannesburg.
Hugh most recently served as CEO of FleishmanHillard’s UK business, and prior to this, he was the co-CEO of Edelman UK, where he also served as Global Crisis Chair.
“Every so often an opportunity is put in front of you that is impossible to say no to - this is one,” said Hugh. “From my conversations with the leaders at Weber Shandwick, it’s clear that this is an agency not only with an exciting vision for the future but a firm that’s already delivering on it. The next few years are not without their challenges; however, I’ve been energised by the ambition and action of the firm and I’m looking forward to joining the talented team and building on the many successes they have had.”
He will succeed Michael Frohlich, who left the agency in April. Greg Prager, who served as interim EMEA CEO, has been named President, Weber Advisory in EMEA and will also oversee several of Weber Shandwick's European markets and report to Hugh.
“Hugh has been successfully advising CEOs and other C-suite executives for decades, consistently demonstrating smart counsel, strong leadership and a talent for inspiring high-performing teams, said Jim. “As the modern CEO agenda becomes increasingly complex across the region, I’m confident Hugh and Greg are the right leaders to help our clients meet this moment.”
Prior to joining Edelman, Hugh was Managing Director of Bell Pottinger’s engage practice and was a part of Betfair, where he worked in senior corporate affairs roles in the UK and Australia.
