EMP-52

Laura Hughes EMP-52 with husband Robert, daughter Annmarie and newly appointed Chief Infant Officer Sarah Rose

The year 2007 is turning out to be a year of international expansion and babies for EMP-52.

After having spent the past few years building a solid marketing consulting practice, Rebecca Kuchar was acquired in 2006 by Chicago-based Maya Group, an award-winning marketing research firm. Maya Group is dedicated to assessing and evaluating its clients' advertising, marketing communications and product development efforts worldwide, so Rebecca is hoping to see some EMP expats during her travels to Europe, Asia and South America. She writes: "Sorry I haven't been able to coordinate any happy hours lately. While my happy glass is full, I'm completely out of hours!"

Alberto Slikta received a promotion from global business development manager to manager of Asia Pacific with Akzonobel. As part of this promotion, Alberto will be relocating to Shanghai, China, for a brief period and then to Singapore, Japan, for his long-term assignment.

Thanos Karras recently joined Technology Solutions Company as a senior vice president. TSC is a leading Chicago-based consulting firm that provides high-value services in the areas of customer value creation, operational excellence and digital healthcare. He will be focused on value creation and leading some of TSC's strategic growth initiatives.

Laura Hughes and husband Robert welcomed a new CIO (chief infant officer) on Jan. 13. Big sister Annamarie is thrilled.