DALLAS — Financial comms expert Serena Saitto has joined TrailRunner International as a New York-based managing director.

Saitto brings more than 20 years of experience to the role which includes most recently serving as a senior VP at financial comms boutique Edelman Smithfield. She reports to TRI CEO Jim Hughes.

Before Edelman Smithfield, Saitto spent 15-plus years working as a financial journalist for publications including Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, covering issues like the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and 2008 financial crisis. International experience includes working as a Dow Jones Newswires correspondent in Buenos Aires and Milan.

“Serena brings significant experience in financial communications, financial journalism and special situations that has made her a sought-after advisor to management teams and boards,” Hughes said. “We are thrilled to welcome Serena as we continue to grow our team and to serve clients facing major inflection points in their businesses.”