CHICAGO — Salient Global president Tricia Ewald has been named the firm’s CEO following the passing of founder Bryan Specht in October.

“Over the last few weeks, we’ve reflected quite a bit on the next generation of Salient. The possibilities stretch far and wide. But no matter the path we take, we are honored to have Tricia at the helm,” Salient wrote in a LinkedIn post.

“As a seasoned leader in our industry with razor-sharp instincts and an uncanny ability to inspire those around her, Tricia brings a unique perspective and approach to this role. There isn’t anyone better suited to lead our continued growth,” the company wrote.

Ewald has been Salient’s global president and senior managing partner since Specht launched the data-focused communications firm in October 2021. Ewald, who previously ran ICF Next’s brand engagement group, and Specht had long careers at PR shop Olson Engage before the firm was put under the ICF Next brand in early 2019.

Specht, a longtime member of the Chicago PR community, launched Salient roughly five months after departing Real Chemistry, where he spent a year as group president. He parted ways with ICF Next at the end of 2019 after spending more than a decade leading Olson Engage before taking on groupwide leadership of growth and innovation at the newly consolidated ICF Next.