Edelman Appoints Kirsty Graham as CEO for U.S. Operations

In a strategic move poised to drive the next phase of growth for global communications firm Edelman, Kirsty Graham has been named the Chief Executive Officer of Edelman's U.S. operation, effective February 1.

As the current Global President of Edelman’s Practices and Sectors, Graham will assume leadership of the firm's largest region, overseeing nearly 2,500 professionals across 12 offices. Based in New York, Graham will continue her role on the firm’s Executive Leadership Team and report directly to Matthew J. Harrington, Global President, Chief Operating Officer, and acting U.S. CEO.

Harrington expressed enthusiasm about Graham's appointment, stating, “It’s a unique opportunity to be able to apply Kirsty’s vast experiences from overseeing the firm’s global practices & sectors, and transforming Health into our largest sector, to our U.S. operation in order to drive its next phase of growth."

Graham's extensive background includes senior communications roles at Pfizer, regulatory and diplomatic experience, and a notable tenure on Capitol Hill, making her the ideal candidate for evolving Edelman's U.S. business.

In her current role heading the firm’s Practices and Sectors, Graham played a pivotal role in the strategy and development of Edelman’s global Brand and Corporate practices, the global Impact team, and Edelman’s global sectors: Health, Technology, Energy, and Food & Beverage. Notably, she served as the Global Chair of Health, leading the sector to produce award-winning and industry-leading work, such as "Up the Antibodies" for AstraZeneca, "The Round Table of Health Inclusivity" for Haleon, and "Fight for What Counts" for The Global Fund. Her influential work earned her recognition as one of PRWeek’s Top 30 Health Influencers in 2021.

Graham, who joined Edelman at the start of the pandemic, expressed her admiration for the firm's values, stating, “Four years later, I continue to be impressed by our commitment to building Trust, the deep and unmatched specialization of our talent, and the outstanding work we produce. I am excited by the opportunity to lead the U.S. at a time of incredible change and opportunity.”

Having lived in the United States for 24 years, Graham brings a wealth of experience in engaging with business, government, media, and civil society. Before joining Edelman, she spent a decade at Pfizer Inc., where she served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs for their Biopharmaceuticals Group. Her distinguished career also includes 16 years in the New Zealand Foreign Service, with diplomatic assignments spanning key international relations, including a five-year posting to Washington, DC (1996-2000), and five years as New Zealand’s Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations (2006-2010).