ST. PAUL—Deluxe Corporation, which makes custom checks and forms and offers website development services, has hired Amanda Brinkman as chief brand and communications officer. She will lead brand, public relations, the Deluxe Foundation, and communications. Brinkman joins Deluxe after serving as vice president, brand and creative services at Allianz and was vice president, creative services at UnitedHealth Group.

BIRMINGHAM, AL— Walter Energy, a leading producer of metallurgical coal for the global steel industry, has appointed Thomas Hoffman as vice president, communications, responsible for communication with general and trade media, as well as internal communications. He has worked with CONSOL Energy, where he was senior vice president, external affairs. Prior to joining Walter Energy, he was president of Carbon Communications Consultants, an energy communications firm he founded in 2009.

ST. LOUIS—The Laclede Group, a public utility holding company, has named L. Craig Dowdy senior vice president, external affairs, corporate communications and marketing, a new position at the company. Dowdy will provide leadership for regulatory affairs, government and legislative matters, corporate communications, marketing and economic development strategies. He was previously a partner at the law firm of McKenna Long & Aldridge in Atlanta.