NEW YORK — Commercial real estate finance and advisory firm Walker & Dunlop has appointed 160over90 as its communications agency of record, after a competitive pitch.

The agency – which succeeds incumbent Edelman – will develop and execute on PR strategy, as well as developing the firm’s social media strategy. Its work will include amplifying corporate announcements and launches through media relations, and leading executive thought leadership for Walker & Dunlop CEO Willy Walker and other senior leaders.

Shaun Clair leads the agency’s PR efforts while Derek Goode heads up social strategy. The team will report to Walker & Dunlop’s external communications and social media Nina Heusinger von Waldegg.

The account will sit within 160over90’s newly-expanded corporate communications practice, led by senior vice president AJ Goodman, which works with clients in sectors including financial services, insurance, publishing and retail.

Walker & Dunlop chief marketing officer Carol McNerney said: “Our mission is to create community through our ideas and capital, and we’re on an ambitious course to transcend the commercial real estate space through our storytelling and impact. We sought an agency partner who understands our mission and can help take the lead on inserting Walker & Dunlop into the right narratives and cultural conversations to drive awareness.”

Samantha Stark, executive vice president at 160over90, added: “We're thrilled to partner with industry trailblazer Walker & Dunlop. The vital part they play in molding the future locales of where individuals will reside, labor, shop, and engage in leisure is incredible. Our team is eager to illustrate the significant impact they’ve made on their clients, as well as the communities they enrich, through the art of storytelling.”

The 800-strong global 160over90 team works across content and video production, cultural strategy, creative development, creator marketing, digital services, entertainment marketing, experiential, media planning, partnerships, public relations and social media. In July this year, 160over90 acquired London-based experiential agency XYZ.