Edelman has named GE and Pearson veteran Deirdre Latour as the next president of its New York operation. A longtime Edelman client and former Edelman employee, Latour will report to Edelman U.S. CEO Russell Dubner, and oversee an office of nearly 800 staff—Edelman’s largest office worldwide.
Latour succeeds Jennifer Cohan, a brand and purpose marketing specialist, who has led the New York office for the past six years. Cohan is leaving the firm in August to make a personal impact on society. Latour will officially assume her duties after Labor Day. “Deirdre is a change-maker across corporate affairs and brand marketing, having lived the value that an earned mindset can deliver to the C-suite,” said Dubner. “She understands the primacy of earning trust across all audiences, from consumers to shareholders to lawmakers. And she’ll bring that expertise directly to our clients and colleagues, all the while advancing our commitment to a diverse and equitable workplace.”
Latour joins Edelman from Pearson, where she served as chief corporate affairs officer overseeing communications, marketing, investor relations, government relations, sustainability, employee engagement, research and insights. From 2004 to 2018, Latour worked at GE, ultimately becoming chief communications officer and senior advisor to the CEO. Early in her career, Latour was a leader in Edelman’s brand, entertainment and sports practice.
“I’m excited to return to Edelman at a moment of both great disruption and opportunity for brands to serve as agents of change,” said Latour. “Now more than ever, agencies that understand how to earn trust among all stakeholders will have an opportunity to make a real difference and succeed. Edelman is best positioned to lead the way and I’m thrilled to be joining the team.”
Latour joins a deep bench of Edelman hires in the past year, including Lee Maicon, global chief innovation and strategy officer; Kirsty Graham, Global CEO of Edelman Public Affairs; Dave Samson, global vice chair of Corporate Affairs; Michele Anderson, U.S. chair of Brand; Jon Flannery, Creative director, Edelman Chicago; and Jim Prosser, U.S. West Coast corporate lead.
About Edelman
Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. Our 5,300 people in more than 60 offices deliver communications strategies that give our clients the confidence to lead and act with certainty, earning the trust of their stakeholders. Our honors include the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for PR; Advertising Age’s 2019 A-List; the Holmes Report’s 2018 Global Digital Agency of the Year; and, five times, Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work. Since our founding in 1952, we have remained an independent, family-run business. Edelman owns specialty companies Edelman Intelligence (research) and United Entertainment Group (entertainment, sports, lifestyle). For more information please visit: www.edelman.com.