Antonio O. Garza Joins ViaNovo
Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Named Partner, Will Chair ViaNovo Ventures
(AUSTIN, TX, WASHINGTON, DC AND MEXICO CITY, MEXICO) – June 23, 2009 – ViaNovo, a leading management and communications consultancy, today announced that former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza has joined the firm as partner. Garza, who has been hailed by leaders on both sides of the border for his work in strengthening U.S.-Mexico relations, will also chair the firm’s new business enterprise, ViaNovo Ventures.
"During the past seven years, Tony Garza played an instrumental role in transforming the US-Mexico relationship, both politically and economically. He is trusted by CEOs, investors and government leaders in both countries, and his insights and depth of experience will be invaluable to our clients and business partners.” said James S. Taylor, a founding partner of ViaNovo.
In addition to advising clients on high-stakes communications, policy and management issues, Garza will focus on expanding ViaNovo Ventures, which partners with companies, private equity funds and investors on an entrepreneurial basis to help them achieve their business goals.
Kent Savage, CEO of FameCast, which recently entered the Latin American market with the assistance of ViaNovo Ventures, hailed the addition of Garza to the ViaNovo team.
“Tony’s an innovator, a problem solver and knows how to deliver results, and it’s a real coup for ViaNovo to add him to their team” said Mr. Savage. Savage added, “the ViaNovo Ventures team worked with FameCast and OCESA, the largest entertainment producer in Mexico and Latin America, to help develop and launch a new Latin American digital media and entertainment platform.”
Matthew Dowd, a founding partner of ViaNovo, added, “Tony’s got a brilliant political and business mind and a stellar track record in the public and private arenas. He has a deep understanding of the Latino market and its impact on business and politics on both sides of the border. What makes ViaNovo unique is our team of professionals, and Tony’s addition only enhances the perspective and experience we offer our clients.”
“There’s no doubt that ViaNovo has defined itself as a leader in the high stakes game of strategic communications consulting,” said Garza, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico from 2002 to 2009. “The growth I envision for ViaNovo Ventures will deepen the firm’s strong reputation and offer our clients’ expanded, unprecedented capabilities in the area of cross-border business development.”
Independent of his work with ViaNovo, Garza also today announced that he has accepted a position as Counsel to White & Case, a premiere global law firm.
Garza sees his work with both firms as a way to “provide comprehensive multi-dimensional, multi-jurisdictional strategy and counsel” to clients in the U.S. and Latin America.
“Too often I’ve seen companies in the U.S. or Latin America move across borders without the necessary combination of aggressive legal representation, cultural know-how and communications strategy that is vital for long-term success,” said Garza. He noted that both firms are respected industry leaders, and together “they offer me a unique platform for a completely integrated approach to client representation and business partnerships.”
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About ViaNovo
ViaNovo is a management and communications consultancy that specializes in high stakes positioning. The firm advises leaders and organizations on branding, crisis management, public policy, and business development issues. Through ViaNovo Ventures, it partners with companies, start-ups, private equity funds, and investors through a variety of entrepreneurial models – including equity participation and licensing agreements – to help them achieve their business goals. ViaNovo was founded by Blaine Bull, Matthew Dowd, Tucker Eskew, and James Taylor and has offices in Austin, Dallas, Washington, DC, Mexico City and Monterrey. For more information, visit www.vianovo.com.
About Antonio O. Garza
Former U.S. Ambassador, lawyer, distinguished public servant, and cross-border specialist Antonio O. Garza brings exemplary diplomatic, business, and political expertise to his work. Mr. Garza served as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico from 2002 to 2009, previously held statewide and local elected and appointed offices in Texas, including chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s energy regulatory agency. Prior to that, he was a partner in a leading Texas-based law firm. For more information, visit www.tonygarza.com.
Media Contacts:
ViaNovo
Julie Hillrichs (972) 971-0117
Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Jennifer Harris, (512) 773-7168