NEW YORK — Edelman US CEO Lisa Osborne Ross is taking a leave of absence from her role leading the firm’s largest operation.

“We can confirm that Lisa Ross, Edelman’s U.S. CEO, is taking a leave of absence. Matthew Harrington, global president & chief operating officer, will assume leadership of the region as acting CEO, U.S., effective immediately,” an Edelman spokesperson said.  No additional details were provided.

Ross, who last year received one of PRovoke Media’s SABRE Awards for Outstanding Individual Achievement, has led Edelman US since 2021, succeeding Russell Dubner who at that time moved to a global role. Dubner has since joined Boston Consulting Group to lead global comms.

As US CEO, Ross oversees an operation with more than 2,300 people in 13 offices, and reports to Harrington. Ross, who joined Edelman from APCO Worldwide in 2017, took on the role with slightly more than a year as US COO under her belt.

Priorities at Edelman have included building a culture based on the principle that if a business puts people first, profits will follow, furthering the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and helping employees balance work and life needs.

Prior to Edelman, Ross served as managing director of APCO Worldwide’s flagship office for more than two years, arriving there after a 15-year career at Ogilvy Public Relations. During her tenure at Ogilvy, she was founder of the agency’s multicultural practice, head of the public advocacy group and practice, and head of the public affairs division. Earlier, Ross held several roles in the Clinton Administration.