MIAMI—JeffreyGroup, the Latin America marketing and corporate communications agency, has named Cristina Iglecio and Mariana Villarreal to the newly-created positions of regional executive directors. Both will serve on the agency's executive management committee, along with CEO Brian Burlingame and founder/chairman Jeffrey Sharlach. Iglecio, currently managing director of JeffreyGroup Brazil, has been named president of the operation and will oversee offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. Villarreal, who had been MD of Mexico, was also named chief strategy officer for Spanish-speaking markets.

NEW YORK—Finn Partners has tapped travel marketing expert Jeff Hentz to lead an expanded portfolio of services within its travel and lifestyle practice. The new services include travel trade representation; sales and market development for eetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions; sports tourism; and cruise industry market development. Hentz’s background includes senior managerial positions in marketing, global sales and market development with clients such as the Big Red Boat and Walt Disney World, Universal Studios/Warner Bros., Destination Yosemite and California’s High Sierra.

NEW YORK—Cognito, a specialist communications consultancy for the financial services industry, has hired Bill Ferguson as vice president in its New York office. Ferguson has led communications and marketing initiatives for global brands in finance, financial technology and professional services, at agencies including FleishmanHilllard, Financial Relations Board, Middleberg (now part of Havas PR) and TSI (which is now part of the Interpublic Group). Clients have included Citi, EY, Deutsche Bank Asset Management, Nationwide, Reuters, and Tata Consultancy Services.

NEW YORK—Greg Jawski has joined the New York office of Porter Novelli as a senior vice president in the reputation management practice. Jawski will lead the New York office's work with corporate affairs clients, and reports to Darlan Monterisi, partner and managing director, New York. Prior to joining Porter Novelli, Jawski worked at JCPR as a managing director and head of the New York office, and earlier was senior vice president at Emanate.

WASHINGTON, DC—JPA Health Communications has added Dan Sweet to its Washington office as vice president. Sweet has spent the last 15 years providing counsel for oncology, hospitals and health systems, and public affairs clients. Prior to joining JPA, he worked for FleishmanHillard where he managed accounts dealing with national and international regulatory issues and crisis communications. His hospital background includes providing public relations and crisis services for MedStar Health.

LOS ANGELES—MPRM Communications has hired Inma Carbajal-Fogel (pictured) to head its new Hispanic multicultural marketing and public relations practice, ¡Hola! MPRM. Carbajal-Fogel has played a role in Hispanic campaigns for theatrical and home entertainment releases including Universal’s Ted and Ted 2, Bridesmaids, and Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2. She has also worked on brands including Disney Consumer Products, Chef Merito, Gaviña Coffee, Endemol Shine Latino, American Idol, and MundoMax.

MIAMI—Kreps DeMaria Public Relations & Marketing,has expanded into New York, and Laura Acker, firm partner and vice president, has relocated to the city and will serve new and existing Miami and New York clients. Partner Sissy DeMaria will spearhead recruitment and business development and will continue to commute from Miami. 

NEW YORK—Development Counsellors International, which specializes in destination marketing, has promoted Judy Lee to vice president. Lee will also serve as the director of international business development for the company's economic development division. She joined DCI in 2012, and works with clients including Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus 2020, Charles County (MD), Dutchess County (NY) and Greater Phoenix Economic Council.