Diana Marszalek 25 Jul 2022 // 11:30AM GMT
NEW YORK — Edelman is launching its financial specialty boutique Edelman Smithfield globally, a move that includes moving the agency’s financial communications and services teams under the brand.
Lex Suvanto, Edelman’s financial communications CEO, will serve as Edelman Smithfield’s global chief executive. The leadership team also includes John Kiely, chairman of EMEA & UK corporate affairs; Andrew Wilde, global head of financial services; Josh Hochberg, global chief operating officer; Katie Spring, president, United States; Alex Simmons, head of EMEA; and Jason Leow, head of APAC.
Edelman Smithfield, which specializes in financial markets and strategic situations, will handle all client work that requires specialized support. Edelman the larger agency will continue to handle broader financial services business.
Edelman Smithfield employs more than 250 specialists in 15 countries. The brand dates to 2015, when Edelman acquired UK financial comms firm Smithfield. It has since expanded the operation into Germany, the Middle East and Canada.
“The financial communications team has built an incredible platform and has advised on some of the highest profile clients and situations over the past several years. We continue to see significant demand from both existing and new clients for the work that they are leading, especially given the volatility and complexity of the global financial markets,” said Edelman CEO Richard Edelman. “There’s tremendous opportunity ahead and we will continue to invest in Edelman Smithfield to ensure the team is well placed to define the next generation of financial communications.”
In announcing the movie, the agency said it plans to grow Edelman Smithfield both organically and through acquisitions. Today, the firm’s asset management clients professionally manage more than $20 trillion combined.
“We have a singular goal of building a financial communications powerhouse globally, and Edelman is providing the investment and runway to make this a reality,” Suvanto said. “We are the only firm that specializes in the financial markets and strategic situations while bringing the reach and resources of broader Edelman. Together as a global team and with a unified banner and strategy, we will unlock new opportunities, while always prioritizing excellent client work, conducting ourselves with integrity and attracting and empowering an incredible team of dedicated advisors.”