NEW YORK — Cohn & Wolfe has hired Laura Pesin Eder fro Edelman to lead its North American operations, shortly after elevating Jim Joseph to worldwide president. 

Pesin Eder joins the WPP firm from Edelman, where she spent two years as EVP and director of operations for consumer marketing. Prior to that, she worked for more than a decade at DeVries, rising to the role of president and COO.

Pesin Eder will report to Cohn & Wolfe global CEO Donna Imperato and will remain based in New York. Joseph, who previously oversaw North America, continues to retain responsibility for Latin America as part of his new global duties.

"Not only does she have the brand stewardship expertise and deep integrated communications experience necessary to service and grow our clients’ businesses, she also cares about agency culture and how to inspire and develop talent, which is critical to our agency," said Imperato. 

Pesin Eder has also held roles at Euro RSCG Magnet (now Havas PR), Lippe Taylor, MS&L and The Dilenschneider Group.