Linhart PR names Paul Raab to top leadership position, replacing Sharon Linhart
July 20, 2016 by Sean Czarnecki
Linhart is transitioning to a new role at the firm.
Paul Raab
DENVER: Linhart PR has named Paul Raab managing partner, replacing Sharon Linhart in the role.
Linhart, who founded the eponymous firm in 1996, is in the midst of "transitioning to a new role." She will remain involved in client services and business development until the end of the year and help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Meanwhile, Raab, previously SVP and partner, will continue to serve key clients and oversee the firm's growth.
Commenting on how proud and grateful she was to the firm, Linhart said in a release, "I'm confident that our firm will continue to thrive under [Raab's] leadership and guidance."
Her remaining interest in the firm has been sold to several partners.
Looking ahead, Linhart said she plans to continue to serve on the boards of the Boettcher Foundation, Junior Achievement, and Mountain States Employers Council, among other philanthropic and community efforts.
In addition to Raab, Linhart's leadership team is now comprised of three other partners: CFO Carri Clemens, senior account director Kelly Janhunen, and VP Kelly Womer.
This group of leadership will help the Denver-based, 23-person shop evolve to the changing PR business, Raab said. He added that clients face increasing amounts of budgetary pressure and higher expectations for results, with more ways than ever to engage consumers.
"All of this presents huge challenges for both clients and us, as well as opportunities to figure out what the next 20 years is going to look like," Raab said. "The industries where we have historic strength are where we're going to continue to build."
Those industries include mission-oriented food and beverage, such as Chipotle. The Denver-based burrito chain assigned Linhart to handle its national field marketing PR in June. In July, Chipotle's chief marketing and development officer, Mark Crumpacker, was arraigned on cocaine possession charges.
Other industries the firm works with include energy and utilities, professional services, and building materials.
Raab has been with the firm for more than ten years. Prior to joining Linhart, he was the director of communications at management consulting firm A.T. Kearney and held several roles at Golin over a span of 11 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.
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