Kyle Pleva Courtesy CWC Chris Willard Communications (CWC) has named entertainment PR veteran Kyle Pleva its Brand Storytelling Accounts lead, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Based in New York, Pleva will manage the firm’s existing brand client accounts and lead media relations efforts as CWC “reorients its full suite of services to highlight a narrative-first approach across all clients,” the communications firm says.
“Kyle has been a fantastic addition to the team,” said Willard, founder and CEO of CWC. “He brings deep relationships, sharp instincts, and a calm, collaborative way of working. We’re excited for him to help lead and grow our team and capabilities from New York.”
Willard is known in the industry for his 14-year tenure at HBO; Pleva has more than 15 years of media PR experience, including senior roles at Amazon, Vice Media, and Paramount.
In 2024, as global vice president of corporate communications at Vice, Pleva helped guide the senior leadership team through a high-profile bankruptcy. He previously led series publicity for shows like Yellowstone, South Park, Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drunk History.
“I’m thrilled to join CWC and work alongside Chris, a true legend in this business,” said Pleva. “CWC’s narrative-first approach reflects where communications are headed, and I’m excited to help clients define their stories and connect with audiences in meaningful, lasting ways.”
The boutique communications agency, founded just two years ago, counts Fox Entertainment, BritBox, SFFILM, AI on the Lot, Avail, Jewish Film Institute, and director Ben Leonberg among its current and former clients.
Willard says his company offers the following services: (Bullet points pulled directly from CWC’s pitch deck.)
- Brand Storytelling: Developing foundational core narratives that work across any audience, platform, or opportunity, built on deep industry knowledge, message development, and an honest read of where the brand stands today.
- Organizational Storytelling: Aligning leadership and internal workflows to ensure external communications are supported by a strong internal infrastructure.
- Executive Storytelling: Helping leaders shape credible narratives that match their industry influence and placing them before the audiences that matter.
- Emerging Talent Storytelling: Building lasting profiles for creative artists at pivotal career milestones, such as festival launches or breakthrough acquisitions.
- Media Training: Preparing leaders for high-stakes moments by building confidence and narrative control through personalized, tailored coaching sessions.
- Media Relations: Securing the right story in the right outlet through deliberate journalist relationship management and high-impact strategic pitching.
- On-Demand Starter Pack: A three-month intensive assessment designed to organize communications and identify core needs.
- Research Starter Pack: A one-month, deep-dive market and cultural trend analysis to identify competitive opportunities and unique brand angles.
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