Roll Call: Look Who's Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary
David Gallagher Celebrates His 15th Ketchum Anniversary
Since joining Ketchum Washington, D.C., in 1994, David Gallagher has worn many hats. His current titles give an indication of the broad range of his responsibilities, senior partner; president, Ketchum Pleon Europe; and CEO, Ketchum Pleon London. This list doesn't even take into consideration his work as a cornerstone of the Ketchum Social Responsibility Program, his development of the European Healthcare Practice and his enthusiasm for social media. Today, David's colleagues on the Executive Committee share their thoughts about David's multi-faceted career and personality in honor of his 15th Ketchum anniversary. If you would like to add your own congratulations, take a moment to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Rob Flaherty, senior partner and president
"Wow, 15 years! David's impact on the agency is incredible, and we should all take a moment to thank him for his many contributions, from his early success building the Healthcare Practice, to establishing London as one of our largest offices, to now joining with Timo Sieg and others to merge Ketchum Pleon throughout Europe. He also led the development of Ketchum Social Responsibility, including our global relationships with the World Economic Forum and Room to Read. Of course, for those of us who get to work with him closely, we most appreciate his superior intellect and sense of humor. The combination can be priceless: A couple of intense days of business with David followed by a visit to a pub to dissect the proceedings is one of the highlights of life at Ketchum. Congratulations, David, and here's to many more!"
"Wow, 15 years! David's impact on the agency is incredible, and we should all take a moment to thank him for his many contributions, from his early success building the Healthcare Practice, to establishing London as one of our largest offices, to now joining with Timo Sieg and others to merge Ketchum Pleon throughout Europe. He also led the development of Ketchum Social Responsibility, including our global relationships with the World Economic Forum and Room to Read. Of course, for those of us who get to work with him closely, we most appreciate his superior intellect and sense of humor. The combination can be priceless: A couple of intense days of business with David followed by a visit to a pub to dissect the proceedings is one of the highlights of life at Ketchum. Congratulations, David, and here's to many more!"
Jon Higgins, senior partner and CEO, International
"I didn't know David in the prime of his athletic years, but it's clear to me in the nine years we've worked together that he is a natural born high-jumper. Where ever the bar is set - a goal of his own making, one that Ketchum sets or that of a client - David always clears it. That was true when Ketchum asked him to start the European Healthcare Practice 10 years ago, now arguably the best in the EU. It was true when he made it a personal crusade to establish the London office as one of the best places to work in the U.K. - now verified by the Financial Times four out of the last 5 years.
"I didn't know David in the prime of his athletic years, but it's clear to me in the nine years we've worked together that he is a natural born high-jumper. Where ever the bar is set - a goal of his own making, one that Ketchum sets or that of a client - David always clears it. That was true when Ketchum asked him to start the European Healthcare Practice 10 years ago, now arguably the best in the EU. It was true when he made it a personal crusade to establish the London office as one of the best places to work in the U.K. - now verified by the Financial Times four out of the last 5 years.
"So when David says, as our European president, that Ketchum Pleon will not only be the biggest, but also the best consultancy in the EU, you can believe him. It's a safe bet because David is a guy who simply will not accept falling short. He is that wonderful leader who leads by example and does so with humour, tremendous insight and instincts and, occasionally, with a good sippin' tequila. Congrats on your 15 years with Ketchum, David. Proud to be on your team. "
Ray Kotcher, senior partner and CEO
"The first time I met David was while I was on a boat on the way to a new business pitch in the Virgin Islands. He was part of the selection committee. Happily, Ketchum won the business and I knew then that David had great sense. What I did not know then was that it would be my and Ketchum's good fortune to work with David for many years to come and in many other places around the world - none as exotic, though. You see, David truly is a citizen of the world, and across the years our organization and I have learned much from him. We have learned that there is more to being global than just being international. We have learned from watching David how one person with a commitment to the commonweal can make a difference. And I am always reminded by David that a good heart combined with a keen intellect is an unbeatable combination for success in business and in life. Pretty cool, all of this, from a kid who started his life in Texas.
"The first time I met David was while I was on a boat on the way to a new business pitch in the Virgin Islands. He was part of the selection committee. Happily, Ketchum won the business and I knew then that David had great sense. What I did not know then was that it would be my and Ketchum's good fortune to work with David for many years to come and in many other places around the world - none as exotic, though. You see, David truly is a citizen of the world, and across the years our organization and I have learned much from him. We have learned that there is more to being global than just being international. We have learned from watching David how one person with a commitment to the commonweal can make a difference. And I am always reminded by David that a good heart combined with a keen intellect is an unbeatable combination for success in business and in life. Pretty cool, all of this, from a kid who started his life in Texas.
"So thank you David for spending 15 of your years with us here at Ketchum. Your presence has enriched our agency, our people and our clients."
Jerry Olszewski, senior partner and chief client officer
"I am a huge admirer of how David always turns big challenges into big successes. Whether it's European expansion, our Healthcare Practice or our social responsibility commitment, you can spot David's lasting influence on Ketchum. As we all know, he does it with humility and a readiness to share the spotlight with others. Sadly, all of this has made him a dreary, humorless man who drones on and on about Texas and his resemblance to Jude Law. I, for one, am willing to endure this in exchange for all he does. Congratulations on 15 great years, David!"
"I am a huge admirer of how David always turns big challenges into big successes. Whether it's European expansion, our Healthcare Practice or our social responsibility commitment, you can spot David's lasting influence on Ketchum. As we all know, he does it with humility and a readiness to share the spotlight with others. Sadly, all of this has made him a dreary, humorless man who drones on and on about Texas and his resemblance to Jude Law. I, for one, am willing to endure this in exchange for all he does. Congratulations on 15 great years, David!"
Barri Rafferty, senior partner and director, New York
"If I ever ran for office, David would make the perfect campaign manager. His intellect is always impressive, and he never fails to make me look at a situation differently. He travels the world representing the agency in style. He jumped into the social media realm early and became an expert personally, pushing me to become more experienced. I value the time I spend with David and only wish there was more of it."
"If I ever ran for office, David would make the perfect campaign manager. His intellect is always impressive, and he never fails to make me look at a situation differently. He travels the world representing the agency in style. He jumped into the social media realm early and became an expert personally, pushing me to become more experienced. I value the time I spend with David and only wish there was more of it."
Timo Sieg, senior partner and CEO, Europe
"Congratulations on 15 years! It's unbelievable: The first time I met David I took him for a Brit, and it took me quite a while to realize that as a kid he was most likely hunting rattlesnakes, trailing longhorns and doing the square dance hoedown in his small Texas hometown! David has a fine sense of humor and the ability to listen, which makes him more a Londoner than he might be aware off. He is the kind of guy who sets you at ease only seconds after meeting him. All conversations with him, whether they're personal or professional, make you feel very, very comfortable. It's a pleasure to work, travel, fix problems and celebrate progress and success side by side with him. In meeting David, I personally gained a great professional colleague and a valuable friend."
"Congratulations on 15 years! It's unbelievable: The first time I met David I took him for a Brit, and it took me quite a while to realize that as a kid he was most likely hunting rattlesnakes, trailing longhorns and doing the square dance hoedown in his small Texas hometown! David has a fine sense of humor and the ability to listen, which makes him more a Londoner than he might be aware off. He is the kind of guy who sets you at ease only seconds after meeting him. All conversations with him, whether they're personal or professional, make you feel very, very comfortable. It's a pleasure to work, travel, fix problems and celebrate progress and success side by side with him. In meeting David, I personally gained a great professional colleague and a valuable friend."
Lorraine Thelian, senior partner, North America
"There is no doubt that hiring David was one of the smartest things I ever did at Ketchum! It has been such fun to watch his career develop. Anyone who has ever worked with David knows he is one of the smartest counselors and business people they will ever encounter. However, one of the things I have most admired about David is that he doesn't get mired down in theory - he is always about getting to action! He is a great ‘nudge' to us all in that regard.
"There is no doubt that hiring David was one of the smartest things I ever did at Ketchum! It has been such fun to watch his career develop. Anyone who has ever worked with David knows he is one of the smartest counselors and business people they will ever encounter. However, one of the things I have most admired about David is that he doesn't get mired down in theory - he is always about getting to action! He is a great ‘nudge' to us all in that regard.
"David also likes to have fun - and some of my favorite memories at Ketchum have been being at pubs, bars and backyard barbeques with David. He can stay out later than anyone, including me. I hope I get to have some more of those memories. I hope David has at least another 15 years here. As one of the leaders of Ketchum, there is no doubt he will continue to help drive our agency to greatness. Congratulations again."
