SAN FRANCISCO – Highwire has brought on board Weber Shandwick’s Margaret Cote as the agency's first head of insights and analytics.

In her new role, Cote will work with practice groups to ramp up data-driven decision-making across various categories, with a focus on using analysis on earned and owned content to shape strategy. With Cote’s expertise, Highwire aims to offer clients fresh avenues for impactful communications that directly impact their bottom line, the firm said.

In addition, Cote plans to build out a data and analytics team by upskilling existing talent and hiring experts in the field.

Cote comes to Highwire from Weber Shandwick, where she held the role of Eastern region analytics and intelligence lead. Before that, she served as as the director of insights at Havas Media Group and senior manager of advertising, insights, and research at the Boston Globe.

"We knew right away that Margaret's knack for problem-solving was just as valuable as her wealth of experience in data and analytics," said Highwire principal Carol Carrubba. "With AI pushing the boundaries of innovation, Margaret is the perfect leader to think big and establish Highwire as the go-to agency for audience and communications analytics that truly make a difference for our clients."