NEW YORK—John Puccio, former managing director at New York Life Investment Management, where he created and led the firm’s corporate communications function, has launched Crowded Hour, a new consulting firm that will offer expertise in financial services, thought leadership and social media.

Puccio has held leadership roles on both the corporate and agency sides of the business, with a focus on financial services. During more than six years with NYLIM, a boutique investment management firm and a subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company, he led media and external communications, internal and CEO communications and event services.

Prior to NYLIM, Puccio spent six years with RF|Binder Partners as a managing director, and earlier worked with Hill & Knowlton and Cohn & Wolfe.