John Beale Joins Weber Shandwick's Global Technology Practice

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 SEATTLE, WA – June 17, 2008 – Weber Shandwick today announced the addition of John Beale as executive vice president for the firm’s Global Technology practice. Based in Seattle, Beale will be responsible for developing new business and support existing clients through the creation of marketing and corporate positioning programs that help enhance the performance and reputation of those companies.  He reports to Casey Sheldon, chair, Global Technology practice.

Beale brings 20 years of global experience working directly for and consulting to companies representing a number of technology segments. His work developing successful programs in corporate and product marketing, and public and financial communications covers Asia, Europe, Latin America and the US.    

Beale previously was vice president of marketing for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies, QUALCOMM’s semiconductor division. Before joining QUALCOMM, he spent more than 10 years in Asia, working for Burson-Marsteller in Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo, where he lead numerous Fortune 500 client programs in the telecommunications, semiconductor, power generation and professional services sectors.

Most recently, Beale led marketing for Volantis Systems, a UK-based wireless software company targeting global carriers and news and entertainment businesses with a portfolio of mobile web solutions.

“We are very excited to have John’s leadership to further develop our client service, global account management and new business,” said Casey Sheldon, chair of Weber Shandwick’s Global Technology practice. “His wealth of experience in consulting global businesses will be a great asset to our technology clients around the world and we look forward to his insights and expertise in strategic media, technology sectors, crisis communications and executive visibility.”

About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in over 79 markets around the world. The firm’s reputation is built on its deep commitment to client service, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across world-class practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, corporate/financial and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. Weber Shandwick received the highest client-satisfaction honors in the 2007 Agency Excellence Survey by PRWeek U.S. and in 2006, was named Large PR Firm of the Year (PR News U.S.), European Consultancy of the Year (The Holmes Report) and Network of the Year (Asia Pacific PR Awards). The firm also won the United Nations Grand Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations for the past three years. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com/.