In the news: Changes at NAB, Financial Services Forum and ID Dataweb
Alex Siciliano is leaving the D.C.-based National Association of Broadcasters. According to TV Tech: “ As NAB’s senior vice president of communications since early 2023, he has been one of its public faces in explaining policy and has been the main point of contact for media who cover NAB activities.” Siciliano, in photo, emailed journalists that he will leave NAB to pursue another opportunity. Siciliano joined NAB in 2022 as senior communications strategist and was promoted the next year, succeeding Ann Marie Cumming. Prior to NAB he was VP of communications at The Petrizzo Group.
TV Tech adds that Grace Whaley recently was promoted to NAB’s director of communications and social media. Judianne Meredith joined NAB last summer as a communications coordinator. Another source said the duo will handle communications for the organization going forward.
The Financial Services Forum announced that Sarah Knakmuhs has been appointed Chief Communications and Strategy Officer, effective March 2. Knakmuhs, states a release, will join the Forum from M&T Bank, where she serves as the company’s first Chief Communications Officer, leading enterprise-wide efforts to enhance and protect the company’s reputation, drive business results, and engage employees through clear, consistent, and strategic communications. Her prior experience includes opening and leading the D.C. office of a major strategic communications firm, and she has also held senior government affairs, policy, and investor relations roles at a Fortune 200 company.
The Forum also announced that Barbara Hagenbaugh will be leaving the organization after eight successful years leading communications.
ID Dataweb, Centreville, VA, announced the appointment of Dr. Torsten George as the company’s first Chief Marketing Officer. According to a release, he brings more than 30 years of experience scaling marketing and product functions at fast-growing cybersecurity and identity companies, leading several of them to successful exits. Before joining ID Dataweb, he held senior leadership roles at organizations including ConnectWise, Absolute Software (acquired by Crosspoint Capital), Centrify (acquired by Thoma Bravo; now Delinea), RiskSense (acquired by Ivanti), and ActivIdentity (acquired by HID Global), where he successfully led go-to-market initiatives, repositioned brands, and drove product innovation in highly competitive markets. He is also a frequent author and sought-after speaker on topics ranging from digital identity to data protection and compliance.
