ZURICH—Takeda Pharmaceuticals has appointed Rob Gallo as head of corporate communications, Europe and Canada. Since 2010, Gallo has been the interim head of corporate communications for Europe during which time he led Europe-wide media campaigns for regulatory initiatives and product launches. In his new role, his responsibilities will include helping unify local communication teams and maximizing brand communications for several forthcoming launches. Prior to working at Takeda, Gallo was a director of Operandi Partners, a corporate communications and issues management consultancy based in London. 

FRANKFURT—Hilton Worldwide has assigned its public relations mandate for Germany to Grayling, which works for the company in European countries such as France, Ireland, Poland, Scandinavia and the Benelux region. The assignment will include corporate communications and in supporting the communication of individual hotels from across Hilton Worldwide’s brand portfolio. Munich-based PR agency Wilde & Partner, will continue to support the hotel during the opening of its first Waldorf Astoria property in Berlin this year.

LONDON—Addison Lee, one of Europe’s largest minicab companies, has appointed Ogilvy Public Relations to handle its PR. The brief includes an ongoing media outreach campaign and stakeholder engagement program. Ogilvy PR is reporting to Addison Lee's marketing and PR manager Alistair Laycock.

PARIS—Caroline Chalindar-Giné joins APCO Worldwide’s Paris team as an associate director. Prior to joining APCO, Chalindar-Giné was client director at communication consultancy Opinion Valley, where she managed communication and media relations for a number of client accounts. She has expertise in the food and consumer products, finance and healthcare sectors.

LONDON—Hill+Knowlton Strategies has appointed Bryan Johnston as account director in its UK energy and Industrials team. He joins H+K from Bell Pottinger Public Affairs, where he worked with clients such as, Emirates, BT, National Grid, Altstom Transport and The Carlyle Group, and will be reporting to Simon Whitehead, head of energy and industrials.

FARNHAM—UK technology public relations firm The Whiteoaks Consultancy has appointed Andy Black as its new head of digital. Black previously held roles at 90:10 Group, The Foundry and Conerva Corporation and has counseled organizations including Reuters, The Independent, Jaguar Land Rover, Daily Mail, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Jane's Information Group.