Tunheim, a Minneapolis-based strategic consulting firm, announced that John Blackshaw will join the company as president and chief operating officer. Blackshaw, who worked at Tunheim from 1992 to 2000, is returning after more than a decade at NRC, a Duluth-area based health care analytics company, where he served as CEO for the past six years.
“John was a valued colleague earlier in our company’s history, and we are very happy to be welcoming him back to this important leadership role,” said Kathy Tunheim, the firm’s CEO and co-founder. “He is joining our leadership team at an exciting time for our firm and our industry. Both technology disruption and globalization of markets are dramatically transforming our definitions of the services we provide and the markets we serve. Joining us from the health care sector, John is deeply aware of those dynamics and the opportunities we see.”
Blackshaw will lead the firm’s consulting operations, which provide public relations, public affairs, and change management communications services. Tunheim’s initiatives in event development (MANOVA Summit) and software development will be managed separately.
“I am really excited to be returning to Tunheim. Over the past 28 years, Kathy Tunheim’s leadership and vision have built Tunheim into an industry leader that is fiercely committed to delivering for its clients,” said Blackshaw. “I am incredibly excited to assume this new role. Tunheim has an exceptionally talented team that is focused on taking decisive actions to deliver for its clients, innovate services in new and diverse ways, and cultivate talent to bring smart thinking to each client endeavor. It is an honor for me to be leading this great group of people.”