LONDON — WE Communications has hired Philip Channon to the newly-created role of international chief operating officer, and named Michael Murphy, who has served as a global advisor to the firm for the past couple of years, as non-executive director.

Channon reunites with WE Communications international president Alan VanderMolen, with whom he worked at Edelman, before both men departed the latter firm last year.

Channon, who remains based in Hong Kong, reports to both VanderMolen and global CFO Corey Kalbfleisch, while former Grayling CEO Murphy (in London) reports to VanderMolen.
 
Since VanderMolen’s hire earlier this year, WE has reshaped its China leadership, taken a majority stake in Australian-based firm Buchan and is understood to be actively seeking acquisitions in the UK and Asia.
 
"I came to WE because I see enormous opportunity. This agency is in an exciting period of transformational growth," said Channon.