August 15, 2012

Ketchum Announces Four Senior Leadership Appointments

Ketchum (www.ketchum.com) has appointed four of its senior executives to new positions at the firm. Ketchum Chief Executive Officer Rob Flaherty announced the advancements to further the firm's commitment to provide innovative thinking and high-quality service to its clients and sustain the firm's momentum into the future.

Effective Sept. 1, Rob Lorfink, currently Senior Partner, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will become Senior Partner, President and Chief Operating Officer. Barri Rafferty, currently Senior Partner and Director of the New York office, will become Senior Partner and CEO of North America, succeeding Lorraine Thelian, who will become Senior Partner and Vice Chairman. Mike Doyle, Partner and Associate Director of the New York office, will become Partner and Director of that office, succeeding Rafferty. These appointments build on a long-planned management transition. The first phase took place on July 1, when Rob Flaherty became the firm's CEO and Ray Kotcher its Chairman.

"We are making these leadership appointments at a time of success and stability here at Ketchum. They ensure that we will continue to provide clients with the breakthrough thinking they need to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. These appointments also provide some of our proven leaders with an even greater opportunity to deliver impactful business and communications solutions to our clients," said Flaherty. "I have worked closely with each of these individuals for some time, and I look forward to seeing them continue to succeed in their new roles."

As President and COO, Lorfink will continue to focus on these areas, while building even greater synergy across Ketchum's global network. To help meet this objective, the three regional CEOs and the firm's specialty units will report to Lorfink. Lorfink also will continue to oversee the organization's operational functions, comprising talent management, finance, information technology and legal. He will remain on the firm's Executive Committee and will report to Flaherty.

According to Kotcher, "Rob, Lorraine, Barri and Mike have each made enormous contributions to Ketchum, and I have great respect and appreciation for them as individuals and for their work. In addition to being seasoned client counselors with proven leadership and managerial skills, they are the true embodiment of the culture and values of Ketchum.

"You can fully expect our emphasis on our talent and their development to continue. It is key to helping our clients succeed," Kotcher said.