NEW YORK — Deirdre Latour, most recently head of Edelman’s New York office, has joined Madison Square Garden Entertainment as chief communications officer.

Starting January 3, Latour will oversee all external communications and public relations activities across MSG Entertainment’s portfolio of assets, as well as Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.

Latour will be responsible for leading all communications functions, including public relations activities for venues, live entertainment and productions, and sports teams; financial reporting; issues management; and other corporate matters. Her remit also includes the development and execution of strategies that advance the companies’ key priorities, strengthen its brands, and protect its assets.

As an executive VP, Latour will be a member of the executive management team and provide senior counsel to ensure that all activities support key business objectives. She also will serve as chief spokesperson on important press matters.

Latour succeeds Kimberly Kerns, who decided earlier this year to step down from the role once a replacement was found.

“We are pleased to welcome Deirdre to MSG,” said executive chairman and CEO Jim Dolan. "We have some of the most recognizable entertainment and sports properties in the world — which garner significant media interest. Her experience developing and executing successful communications strategies on a global stage will be an asset as both MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports continue to pursue their respective growth plans.”

Latour is joining MSG on the heels of her departure from Edelman this fall. Latour was named president of Edelman's 800-person New York operation in the summer of 2020, taking on one of Edelman's key roles after departing Pearson, where she had been chief corporate affairs officer since 2018.

Previously, Latour rose to the role of CCO during a 14-year tenure with GE, overseeing communications at a time of immense corporate change and emerging as an advocate of "straightforward responses" and fewer silos. Prior to GE, Latour spent six years with Edelman.