Edelman appoints global leadership team

Edelman has announced a series of senior leadership appointments to advance its strategic direction and strengthen its global operations.

Matthew Harrington becomes Executive Vice Chairman, Mainardo de Nardis is appointed Global President and Chief Operating Officer, and Brian Buchwald takes on the role of President, Global Transformation and Performance.

Richard Edelman, CEO, Edelman: "These leadership appointments mark an important new chapter for Edelman as we double down on innovation, global growth, and trust. Each of these leaders brings unique strengths that will help us move forward in a rapidly changing communications landscape. Their focus will be on delivering greater impact for our clients, strengthening our internal operations, and driving the firm’s ongoing transformation and innovation."

Matthew Harrington to Focus on Client Partnerships

A 41-year veteran of Edelman, Matthew Harrington has held several senior positions, including U.S. CEO and most recently Global President and Chief Operating Officer. As Executive Vice Chairman, he will focus on deepening relationships with major global clients and advising C-suite leaders and boards. Harrington has guided companies such as Samsung, Microsoft, eBay, and Starbucks through critical moments of change.

Richard Edelman: "Matt has been my partner for more than four decades and a key force in our success. He has helped our firm and our clients navigate defining moments including 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and the recovery from Covid. His global perspective, deep relationships, and steady leadership make him ideally suited to strengthen our most important client partnerships and drive growth across the network."

Matthew Harrington: "I look forward to this next chapter and the opportunity to focus on my passion – counseling our clients. It has been an honor to serve as COO these past 14 years, and I’m excited about Edelman’s ability to continue shaping the future of communications at this transformational time."

Mainardo de Nardis to Lead Global Operations

Mainardo de Nardis, a member of Edelman’s board for the past five years, assumes the role of Global President and COO. He brings extensive experience from global media and communications, having previously held senior leadership roles at Omnicom Media Group, Aegis Media, and WPP. In his new position, de Nardis will focus on driving client growth, improving operational performance, and ensuring consistency across Edelman’s global network.

Richard Edelman: "I’ve known Mainardo for 30 years and he is a seasoned executive who has deep CMO relationships. He understands the evolving landscape and the needs of our clients. As President and COO, he will work with me to chart Edelman’s next phase of growth and extend our leadership in helping clients earn stakeholder trust."

Mainardo de Nardis: "Edelman has a singular role in shaping trust between companies, brands, and society. I look forward to working across the global network to guide our strategy, deepen relationships, and extend Edelman’s cultural impact during this exciting period of transformation."

Brian Buchwald to Drive Transformation and AI Integration

Brian Buchwald, who joined Edelman three years ago, becomes President, Global Transformation and Performance. He has led the firm’s Product and AI initiatives, positioning Edelman as a frontrunner in applying artificial intelligence to communications. In his expanded role, Buchwald will oversee the modernization of service delivery and the integration of technology across the organization.

Richard Edelman: "Brian is a rare talent who has put us far ahead in AI. His work operationalizing technology across teams and workflows has already helped us redefine the value of earned media and reshape how we think about communications."

Brian Buchwald: "We are at a once-in-a-generation moment for our industry. I am proud of the groundbreaking work our teams have done to apply AI and data-driven insights to client challenges, and I look forward to helping Edelman lead the way in defining what transformation means for communications and for trust."

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