CIBC World Markets former head of global marketing and communications, Debra Douglas, is moving to rival Bear Stearns & Co. Inc.

Bear Stearns has hired Douglas as head of corporate marketing to oversee the firm’s marketing, advertising, corporate events and brand development.

Douglas served as head of global marketing for CIBC World Markets in New York from 1996-2000, when she left to start her own firm providing strategic communications.

At CIBC, she had global responsibility for CIBC World Markets’ internal and external communications, including brand strategy, advertising, media relations, corporate philanthropy and event production.

She has previously served as the director of external affairs for Barings plc, responsible for the firm’s branding, marketing and media relations. She worked for the firm in both New York and London from 1993-1996. She has also held senior communications positions with Salomon Brothers and Royal Bank of Canada. Douglas holds a BA in Journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa.

Commenting on the appointment, James Cayne, chairman and chief executive officer of Bear Stearns, said, “Debra Douglas is a top-flight financial services marketing professional and we are extremely pleased that she has joined our firm. Over the past 78 years, Bear Stearns has established itself as a leading financial services and brokerage firm and Debra will be instrumental in communicating that message.”