New York — Avoq today announced that Byron Calamese, an award-winning global communications and marketing leader, has joined the firm’s senior leadership team as Chief Strategy Officer. Based out of the New York City office, he will focus on refining Avoq’s business and market strategy and will help establish new service areas and strategic partnerships, while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Calamese has over 25 years of experience in the industry and is well regarded as a growth driver with in-house and agency expertise in strategic communications, business transformation, integrated and multi-cultural marketing, digital engagement and corporate reputation management.
Calamese previously served as the Global Head of Innovation at Zeno Group, where he was responsible for driving cross functional innovation and strategic growth initiatives, while also leading the agency’s digital and brand marketing practices worldwide. Prior to that, he oversaw Zeno East and helped double the region in size in three years.
“Byron’s expertise makes him perfectly equipped to lead Avoq’s strategic growth initiatives and enhance client service with clear metrics for success and an eye for excellence,” said Avoq CEO Nicole Cornish. “The addition of Byron to our leadership team continues to further position Avoq as a top national advocacy and communications firm.”
Earlier in his career, Calamese spent more than a decade at Omincom Group, playing leadership roles at Porter Novelli and Cone; served as a global communications lead at adidas Group; and worked as a correspondent for the Boston Globe.
“It’s an honor to join the Avoq team and help build upon its entrepreneurial heritage and deep focus on high-impact client work,” Calamese said. “I’m thrilled to partner with my esteemed colleagues to pave our future path and advance growth in a rapidly evolving communications and business world.”
Calamese is the latest of several Avoq senior hires based in New York City including Senior Vice President Andrea Hagelgans and New York General Manager Ethan Lyle.
Hagelgans, a widely renowned communications leader with New York depth and national issue experience, previously served as Managing Director of U.S. Social Issues Engagement at Edelman. Before that role, she was Head of Corporate Reputation for the New York region and Managing Director, New York Corporate and Public Affairs at Edelman.
Lyle was most recently the Executive Director, Americas at Wachsman where he served as the co-leader of the Americas and head of business development. He brings over 10 years of experience in communications, strategy, and business development, having worked previously at Teneo and Kekst CNC.
About Avoq
Avoq is an integrated firm that combines communications and advocacy to creatively shape narratives, manage brand reputation, influence national debates, and engage the audiences you need to reach. Avoq’s 200+ employees work from offices in Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, New Jersey and Miami. Avoq is a portfolio company of Coral Tree Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on investments in the media, entertainment and communications sectors. Visit teamavoq.com to learn more.
