Weber Shandwick Appoints Will Ludlam as U.S. West President, Strengthening Firm’s Corporate and Technology Expertise
Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s leading global communications and marketing solutions firms, announced today the appointment of Will Ludlam as president of Weber Shandwick West, with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Seattle.
With a strong background in corporate and technology public relations, he has supported a diverse group of blue chip and emerging companies in previous roles and brings deep expertise in strategic counsel and crisis communications. At Weber Shandwick, Ludlam will be based in Seattle and responsible for delivering best-in-class client services and solutions across Weber Shandwick West by leveraging the firm’s deep roster of talent across the region. Ludlam’s start date is Monday, May 20th.
“Will brings a wealth of client experience, knowledge and passion to Weber Shandwick, as well as a keen sense for what it takes to support client growth and foster a culture of collaboration,” said Sara Gavin, president, Weber Shandwick North America. “His leadership philosophy and vision for how best to deliver for clients and for our people will undoubtedly bring incredible value to our firm as we continue to propel our work in the West. We couldn’t be more delighted to have him.”
Ludlam joins from Edelman, where he led the Pacific Northwest business unit, composed of offices in Seattle and Portland. Prior to that, he was general manager of Hill & Knowlton’s Seattle office and spent more than a decade with Porter Novelli, where he led the firm’s then-largest account and was managing director for its Asia-Pacific region, having expanded it into seven markets, including India and China. Earlier in his career, Ludlam worked at The Rockey Company and technology firms KVO (FleishmanHillard) and Waggener Edstrom. With more than 25 years of experience in communications, Ludlam has advised a wide variety of global and local brands, including HP, Microsoft, Safeco, Samsung, Starbucks, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Puget Sound Energy.
Ludlam is active in the Seattle community, with past and present involvement including the Community Development Roundtable, the advisory board for the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications at Washington State University, the board of directors for the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the board of trustees of Intiman Theatre and the Seattle Center Advisory Commission. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University.