SEATTLE: Weber Shandwick has hired Dustin Johnson as chief commercial officer and head of intelligence for North America, effective on Monday.
Reporting to Jim O’Leary, CEO of Weber Shandwick North America, Johnson is overseeing 200 people. As part of his newly created role, Johnson will partner with The Weber Shandwick Collective’s Futures team and will be responsible for commercializing the agency’s innovation agenda, building capabilities across the network, according to a statement from the firm. Johnson is based in Seattle.
Weber Shandwick Futures helps clients navigate the world of emerging tech, offering services regarding tools including AI, experiential platforms like AR, VR and the metaverse and media change.
Johnson will also oversee analytics and insights, as well as research and performance marketing for Weber Shandwick North America.
Asked why the firm created the position, Johnson said there is a “massive opportunity in the market to bring the value of emerging technology, data analytics and performance marketing in a more integrated way to our clients.”
Johnson said he will be responsible for “three waves” of emerging tech, including big data, AI and a framework for “whatever is next.”
“[Johnson’s] career blends emerging technology and growth, crucial in a world where machines range from business accelerators to actual stakeholders,” O’Leary said via email.
Most recently, Johnson was a partner at Meaningful Works, a Los Angeles-based consultancy, creative studio and venture capital fund.
From 2018 to 2022, Johnson served as head of transformation and data and intelligence lead at Edelman, where he was responsible for strategic innovation initiatives across the Edelman network. He grew integrated capability in the U.S. paid media, research and digital analytics practice at the independent firm by 60%, according to a Weber statement.
Johnson’s career also includes roles at Cision, PwC and Microsoft, with a background in digital strategy and enterprise transformation.
The Weber Shandwick Collective includes agencies Cappuccino, KRC Research, Flipside, Powell Tate, Prime, Resolute, That Lot, United Minds, Weber Shandwick and Current Group.
IPG’s Specialized Communications and Experiential Solutions segment includes Dxtra Health and agency brands The Weber Shandwick Collective, Golin, DeVries Global and R&CPMK, as well as sports and events shops such as Jack Morton, Momentum and Octagon.
The PR agencies in Interpublic Group’s Specialized Communications and Experiential Solutions unit ranged from mid-single-digit to double-digit growth on an organic basis in Q1, according to a spokesperson for the holding company.
The Weber Shandwick Collective reported a revenue increase of 6% to $970 million globally and $580 million in the U.S. in 2023, according to PRWeek’s Agency Business Report 2024.
