Franco, a Detroit-based integrated communications agency, has hired Brent Snavely as vice president of media relations — a new role created to fit his expertise and experience.
Snavely is a veteran journalist and communications expert with more than two decades of experience. As Franco’s vice president of media relations, Snavely will provide media relations strategy and counsel to Franco’s automotive and business-to-business (B2B) clients.
He also will support Franco’s overall media relations approach and best practices, along with providing crisis communications strategy to clients.
“We are committed to building a team with the experience and skills needed to provide strategic integrated communications services that are unmatched by other agencies,” says Tina Kozak, CEO of Franco. “Brent’s addition to the team is an exciting milestone that’s aligned with our agency vision, and we are very optimistic about the value he will bring to our team members and client partners.”
Prior to transitioning to the PR industry, Snavely spent 23 years as a journalist. He was a reporter for nine years at the Detroit Free Press, nine years at Crain’s Detroit Business, and six years at newspapers in the Columbus, Ohio metro area.
At the Detroit Free Press, Snavely covered the restructuring of Ford Motor Co. while Alan Mulally was CEO and, later, the restructuring of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles while Sergio Marchionne was CEO.
“Providing the best integrated communications services to automotive and mobility clients has been a core focus for Franco, and Brent will help us continue enhancing services we offer to clients in this industry,” says Tina Benvenuti Sullivan, president and COO of Franco.
“Brent’s vast experience will enable us to maintain our status as a leader in automotive communications while also ensuring our commitment to providing the best partnership and services to our clients.”
