11.07.2006 - 10:00pm ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK- Weber Shandwick, a leading global public relations firm, today announced the appointment of William Brent as the leader of its burgeoning global Cleantech unit.

Weber Shandwick's Cleantech unit works with clients involved in clean fuels (including biodiesel, ethanol, wind, solar, clean coal), engine redesign, hydrogen fuel cells and green IT, to name a few. Part of Weber Shandwick's Technology practice, the Cleantech unit specializes in technology products and services involving clean and renewable energy, as well as software/IT, energy efficiency, recycling, materials, green building, transportation and water.

"William's appointment broadens Weber Shandwick's expertise and leadership in the area of sustainability," said Andy Polansky, president of Weber Shandwick. "Cleantech, combined with our strength in Corporate Social Responsibility, gives Weber Shandwick a powerful one-two punch to help companies that want to be good neighbors through CSR, and companies that want to build good neighborhoods through Cleantech."

To address the complexities of the rapidly emerging and multi-disciplinary Cleantech economy, Weber Shandwick uses a cross-sectional approach, drawing on the expertise of its Consumer, Technology, Public Affairs, Web Relations and Corporate practices to provide comprehensive communication strategies. Members of the Cleantech unit are located in a number of key markets, including San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, the Pacific Northwest; Beijing and Tokyo; and London, Munich and Madrid.

"Weber Shandwick already is a leader in Cleantech. There are so many exciting new technologies in this sector, and opportunities to participate in a vibrant and global discussion," said Brent. "We look forward to continuing to help companies build advocates and awareness and to sharing our passion for contributing to environmental solutions through technology."

Brent, a vice president in Weber Shandwick's Seattle office, spent more than 15 years in China - the frontline of Cleantech - as an entrepreneur and business reporter before joining the firm.

Weber Shandwick's global Technology practice features hundreds of professionals in dozens of cities around the world who provide public relations, marketing and reputation management services. The firm's experience extends from electronic components to general consumer products, including electronics, digital media, enterprise software and systems, networking, semiconductors, storage, wireless/mobile, telecom and cable.

About Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is one of the world's leading global public relations firms with offices in major media, business and government capitals around the world. The firm specializes in strategic marketing communications, media relations programs, public affairs, reputation management and issues management, and provides corporate communications counseling. Weber Shandwick also provides specialized integrated services including Web relations, advocacy advertising, market research and visual communications. Find out more at
www.webershandwick.com

Weber Shandwick is a unit of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG), which is among the world's largest advertising and marketing services organizations.

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