NEW YORK--Cohn & Wolfe has announced three senior staffing appointments, led by the promotion of Brooke Hovey to the newly created role of EVP of the firm’s Americas’ digital practice.

In addition, the WPP firm has hired former Porter-Novelli global digital head Brad McCormick as EVP/MD of its Austin office, and senior digital strategist. Katy Kelley, meanwhile, arrives from Ruder Finn to become VP of global marketing and communications.

“Our top strategic priority is to transform Cohn & Wolfe globally from a company with digital experts to a company where digital is embedded in every aspect of the organization,” said Cohn & Wolfe CEO Donna Imperato. “These new roles bring us one step closer to accomplishing that transformation, with additional global investments in the works.”

The appointments come 20 months into Chad Latz’s tenure as president of the firm’s global digital practice. “Unchecked enthusiasm for digital and social media has left companies with brand fragmentation and poorly measured ROI,” said Latz. “Cohn & Wolfe is investing ahead of the curve in ‘digital hybrids,’ leaders who will help clients define and build their brands, ensuring that digital strategy aligns with overall brand vision.”

Nine-year Cohn &Wolfe/GCI veteran Hovey, who was previously Austin MD and digital SVP, will report to Latz, overseeing recruitment of digital talent and the firm’s digital and social media strategy for North and Latin America. She will remain based in Austin.

McCormick, meanwhile, will now head the firm’s 16-person Austin operation, after a two-year stint at Porter-Novelli. Kelley, who will report to CMO Jill Tannenbaum, departs Ruder Finn after one year at the agency.