SHIFT Communications, a Boston-based integrated communications firm, announced the hire of industry veteran Alan Dunton as its San Francisco Managing Director. Dunton will spearhead client service, business development and office management efforts for the agency’s West Coast operation, working directly with account teams to support and bolster SHIFT’s data-driven approach to public relations and marketing.
“SHIFT’s quest to constantly learn and innovate is a differentiator, and an excellent fit for my professional passion and background,” said Dunton. “I’m fascinated with the evolution of how stories are told, and how the people and companies behind them are shaped. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing people over the years, and I’m excited to join a smart, dynamic group of individuals to help continue crafting SHIFT’s story.”
Dunton joins SHIFT from Grayling, where he was responsible for driving business development, team growth and day to day operations for the San Francisco office. There, he also supported a wide range of clients spanning B2B tech, fintech, digital healthcare and entertainment. While working with account teams on key agency business, including Coinbase, Baidu and Amadeus, Dunton partnered with other agency leaders to cultivate and pursue strategic business development initiatives.
Prior to Grayling, Dunton served at several other agencies, including TriplePoint, a leading digital entertainment agency. Dunton has also spent time in-house, introducing Hamburg-based Bigpoint to the US market and helping launch The Multiverse Network, a pioneering virtual reality technology platform company founded by Netscape veterans.
“We’re thrilled to have Alan join our team,” said Amy Lyons, Managing Partner, SHIFT Communications. “Like us, he has a curiosity about what’s next in integrated communications and has a track record of executing innovative campaigns for his clients. With a history of optimizing operations and a commitment to expanding professional development opportunities for his team, he brings a results-based approach that will fuel the growth of our San Francisco office.”
Dunton plans to focus his immediate efforts on building the client portfolio in San Francisco as well as offering his expertise to SHIFT’s offices in Boston, New York and Austin, and across the broader AVENIR GLOBAL network.
