BRUSSELS—Weber Shandwick has appointed Laurent Chokoualé Datou as chairman of its EU public affairs practice and James Watson as director of public affairs, both to be based in Brussels. Paul Baeyaert, who has been managing the office since November 2009, has been promoted to CEO of Weber Shandwick’s Brussels operation.

Chokoualé Datou will lead Weber Shandwick’s EU public affairs practice in Brussels and co-chair the EU public affairs practice across Europe. Previously, he was general manager at Edelman The Centre and prior to that was vice chairman and managing director at APCO Worldwide for nine years. He has experience in the technology, FMCG, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, logistics, sports and energy sectors.

Watson joins Weber Shandwick from IBF International Consulting where he worked in the government relations arena. Previously, he spent three years with Weber Shandwick in Brussels, leading campaigns in the energy, trade, financial services, nutrition and health sectors. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick in February 2008, Watson worked for the European Commission providing policy support for the Ethiopian Government on trade and development issues.

Baeyaert joined the firm in 2002 and was appointed managing director, Brussels in November 2009. He is also chairman of Weber Shandwick‘s European consumer practice.