CHICAGO — Edelman has named global corporate affairs & advisory services head Jim O’Leary as the firm’s US chief operating officer.

A 14-year Edelman veteran, O’Leary as COO will lead the development of the firm's business strategy, drive client and sector growth, and oversee transformation, innovation and operations. He will also continue heading Edelman’s US corporate affairs & advisory services.

O’Leary is credited with modernizing Edelman’s corporate reputation practice during his tenure as global chair of corporate affairs & advisory services. New offerings such as business transformation and B2B marketing gave Edelman the ability to compete with global management consultancies and tech firms, the agency said.

He replaces Lisa Osborne Ross, who was promoted to US CEO in April.

Edelman made three other US leadership appointments as well.

Smita Reddy, a managing director who leads Edelman’s relationship with Unilever, will now also serve as chair of US brand. She replaces Michele Anderson, who left the agency.

Yanick Wilson, previously managing director of talent management & DE&I, has been named US chief talent officer. Her predecessor took another role within Edelman.

In addition, Courtney Bigelow, who leads Edelman’s global relationship leader for Adobe, will now also be US chair of client leadership. She replaces Amanda Glasgow, who left Edelman to lead HP’s print communications.