CHICAGO — DJE Holdings is launching a third agency, called Ruth, which will be led by industry veteran Rana Komar as president.

Named for Edelman family matriarch Ruth Edelman, the firm will offer the full suite of capabilities including creative, digital and analytics, earned media, corporate reputation, and issues management.

Ruth will serve clients across sectors and on a global scale. The agency will operate independently of DJE’s other firms, Edelman and Zeno.

Ruth will also spotlight the importance of mental health internally and externally in keeping with Ruth Edelman’s legacy as a mental health advocate.

“We have been discussing the need for a third agency for quite some time,” said DJE Holdings chairman and Edelman CEO Richard Edelman. “With both Edelman and Zeno now agencies of relative scale, Ruth provides a new option and clear path for clients who want to be part of our independent, DJE family-owned holding company.

“This is also an opportunity to honor my mother who is an integral part of the DJE success story. Ruth was a woman of determination, optimism, creativity and courage.  She was a staunch advocate for mental health at a time when people were afraid to talk about it. Ruth’s values will be the driving force behind the agency — the client partnerships we forge and the talent who will be inspired by her legacy,” Edelman said.

Komar is joining Ruth after roughly 20 years at Weber Shandwick, where she most recently served as North America general manager and Central Region president.  Komar led integrated client teams and strategy development across myriad sectors including food & beverage, CPG, retail, commodity groups, technology, and healthcare. In addition to overseeing award-winning work, Komar fostered a workplace that was recognized multiple times on the Chicago Tribune Best Places to Work list.

Prior to Weber, Komar served as a VP at Edelman, leading and growing multiple brand clients.

Ruth is launching with a 20-person team.

“My return to DJE in this new role is deeply meaningful,” said Komar. “I recall so clearly that during my time at Edelman, Ruth was a force, frequently in the office and keenly interested in our work. This next great DJE agency will be anchored by Ruth’s signature qualities —  courage, hard work, and optimism. Together with our clients we will deliver modern, high impact work that would make Ruth proud.”

Renée Edelman, Ruth Edelman’s daughter, will serve as honorary chairwoman of Ruth, while continuing her role as Senior VP at Edelman. In this new role, Renée will work with Ruth leadership to ensure that her mother’s values are embedded across the agency, including her commitment to mental health advocacy.