ATLANTA - (July 23, 2012) – McDonnell Group, Inc., an Atlanta-based strategic communications firm specializing in smart grid and the energy and utility industries, has named Paige Besson executive vice president and managing director of customer operations.

“Following three years of 30 percent annual revenue growth, it was time to expand our executive leadership team,” said co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Don McDonnell. “Paige’s long and successful record leading energy industry marketing equips her with the knowledge to shape our company for continued growth as we advance our vision of a more energy efficient future.”

Besson comes to McDonnell Group from energy analytics start up Verdeeco, where she was vice president of marketing. She began her career at Schlumberger and held senior-level marketing positions at Cellnet Technologies (acquired by Landis+Gyr in 2007) and Site Controls (acquired by Siemens in 2010). Besson also founded and ran Enermarc, an integrated marketing communications and strategy consultancy. She served on the launch marketing committee of the Georgia (TAG) Smart Energy Society and as chair of the branding committee for Washington D.C.-based Women's Council on Energy and the Environment (WCEE).

“The utility and energy marketplace is filled with innovation that requires particular marketing skills that work for this unique industry,” Besson said. “In joining McDonnell Group, I see an opportunity to grow our ability not only to help individual clients to succeed in a dynamic and turbulent market, but to truly make an impact in building a sustainable energy future.”

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About McDonnell Group, Inc.
McDonnell Group delivers a unique trilogy of energy and technology focused marketing services: Research, Strategy, and Public Relations. We provide expert insight and specialized knowledge — of the people, the trends, and the technologies unique to the utility and enterprise software markets. With our Focus on Practical Methods™,

we work closely with your executive team to deliver strategy and advisory services, research-based marketing, and public relations to help you grow and guide your business in a way few can match. www.themcdonnellgroup.com.