Ruder Finn Expands Brand Experience Practice with Key Hire and New Client Win

Ruder Finn, recently ranked as the number one firm in the January 2025 Public Relations rankings by CommPRO, continues its growth trajectory with the expansion of its Brand Experience practice. The agency has appointed Ilana Shenitzer as EVP, Brand Experience and Head of Consumer Goods. Shenitzer, a seasoned marketing executive with over two decades of experience, will be based in Denver, further strengthening Ruder Finn’s presence in the market.

“Ilana is an important addition to our Brand Experience practice,” said Corinne Gudovic, Managing Director, Brand Experience at Ruder Finn. “Her broad range of U.S. and global experience and expertise spanning consumer technology, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods industries helps solidify our leadership position in these categories.”

Shenitzer has built a distinguished career executing strategic and creative campaigns for a portfolio of renowned brands, including ABSOLUT, Champion Petfoods, General Mills, J.M. Smucker Company, Kodak, Mars Inc., Motorola, Nestlé Purina, PepsiCo Foods (Frito-Lay), Procter & Gamble, U.S. Cellular, and Whirlpool Corporation. Her expertise in brand storytelling and executive thought leadership will bolster Ruder Finn’s consumer goods division, adding significant value to its expanding client base.

“I have had the honor of working with some of the most incredible brands in the world and people in the industry over the last two-plus decades,” said Shenitzer. “Joining Ruder Finn is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic team that shares my passion for innovation and growth. Together, I believe we can achieve remarkable things and make a lasting impact in the industry.”

Shenitzer’s appointment follows Ruder Finn’s recent acquisition of Big Sky Communications, which also has staff in Denver, further reinforcing the agency’s strategic expansion into the region.

In addition to this key hire, Ruder Finn has been named the agency of record for Kite Hill, the creator of premium dairy-free foods. The agency will lead Kite Hill’s holistic communications strategy, encompassing media relations, social media (both paid and organic), influencer engagement, and public relations initiatives.

“Ruder Finn has been a great collaborator from the start of our partnership and operates as an extension of my team,” said Connie Sintuvat, Vice President of Marketing at Kite Hill. “From planning to execution, they have scaled their expertise across media relations, influencer, and social media to position Kite Hill as a leading dairy-free brand.”

Ruder Finn’s return to the top spot in the public relations rankings underscores its ability to blend global reach with specialized expertise across key industries, including consumer goods, healthcare, and technology. The firm’s latest moves—both in talent acquisition and client partnerships—demonstrate its ongoing commitment to innovation, brand storytelling, and strategic growth.