• by Joe Mandese , September 20, 2007

Universal McCann, which began a radical makeover two years ago when Nick Brien joined as CEO, has named Patricia Steele global director of communications. The appointment appears to fill a void created when Jeremy Miller quietly stepped down as executive vice president-global marketing director earlier this year to return to a similar position at Omnicom's TBWAChiatDay. Miller had replaced long-time Universal McCann marketing chief Charlotte Hatfield.

Steele, who has both media and brand communications credentials, most recently worked for brands such as Atari, Avon and Hachette Filipacchi US. Previously, she served as executive vice president-corporate communications at NBC Universal, and helped position the merger of NBC and Universal. She also oversaw media relations for NBC Universal's Entertainment, News, and Sports divisions, CNBC, MSNBC, Bravo and Telemundo and managed a number of community affairs campaigns and events.

Prior to NBC Universal, Patricia was Senior Vice President, Communications for Sony Music Entertainment.

Steele will report directly to Brien.