Douglass V. Mayer, who spent the last four years as the top communications strategist for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, is joining the Annapolis-based firm of Hogan’s media consultant. Strategic Partners & Media (SPM) announced that Mayer, who previously worked as communications director to Nikki Haley (R) when she was governor of South Carolina, will become a partner at the strategic communications and full-service advertising firm. In a news release, the firm said Mayer will be focused on business development and expanding the strategic communication services offered by SPM, including non-political/corporate clients.

“I have known and worked with Doug for more than a decade and can attest to both his incredible work ethic as well as his communications and media expertise,” said founding partner Russ Schriefer. “Doug and I most recently worked together on Governor Hogan’s reelection campaign where his strategic decision-making ability and press management skills were critical in helping the governor secure a historic victory. We are dedicated to providing the best services possible and Doug’s addition is further proof of our successful growth and commitment to exceeding the needs of our clients.”

The Wall Street Journal reported that Under Armour ousted two sports-marketing executives who were longtime associates of CEO Kevin Plank, following an internal review of their department’s spending. Ryan Kuehl, senior vice president of global sports marketing, and Walker Jones, senior director of sports marketing, were both removed from their roles, according to The Wall Street Journal report. Sources told The Wall Street Journal that the company’s management questioned the way the two men had been running the sports-marketing department and whether some of their spending was appropriate. “Per company policy, we do not comment on specific personnel matters,” an Under Armour spokeswoman said.