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| Martin Whittaker |
Edelman has named Martin Whittaker, founding CEO of Just Capital, as senior advisor to its newly launched Edelman Impact unit formed to advance the climate, purpose and ESG goals of clients.
Just Capital is the nonprofit that evaluates and ranks companies on their sustainability, human Capital, diversity, equity and inclusion performance.
The firm also named Robert Casamento its first-ever global head of climate. He is a 25-year veteran of global climate, ESG and corporate strategy.
Casamento was founding director of the World Economic Forum's global climate change initiatives and a member of sustainability efforts at EY and Deloitte.
Richard Edelman said his firm wants to partner with clients who are committed to change and will use the net-zero emissions by 2050 target to guide its effort.
The addition of Whittaker and Casamento to its purpose and sustainability team "is a most serious commitment on the part of the firm to lead," he added.
Edelman, which has taken some heat for its representation of fossil fuels companies, says it has issued a new set of principles which includes working for companies committed to "accelerating action, putting science at the core of information, advancing best practices for communications, ensuring inclusivity in the decision-making process, focusing on a just transition, and holding itself accountable through reporting."
The No. 1 independent PR firm as ranked by O'Dwyer's, has begun a 60-day assessment of its client portfolio.
Alcoa has named Emily Olson, who has more than 20 years of experience working in capital-intensive industries in the Americas, Europe and Asia, EVP & chief external affairs officer, effective April 6.
Longacre Square Partners has named Humza Vanderman partner and head of its London outpost as the financial communications firm expands into Europe.
FGS Global adds former Pfizer EVP and chief corporate affairs officer Sally Susman to its global executive board as an independent member, effective April 1... Codeword brings on Kim Baffi, who was previously Salesforce VP and creative director, as executive creative director... Amperity, an AI-powered customer data cloud, appoints Bridget Perry as CMO.
MOIA America, a Volkswagen Group of America subsidiary that develops and tests autonomous, all-electric ride-pooling vehicles, names Marcus Gamo head of U.S. communications... Continental Strategy brings on Francisco Petrirena as VP in its Miami office. Petrirena was previously chief of staff to former Miami city manager Art Noriega... MSQ Sport + Entertainment brings on Lauren Weil as EVP, Max Hirsch as VP of sponsorship, and Brooke Losee as VP.
Burson promotes EMEA COO Matt Buchanan to global chief social and Influence officer, a newly created role... Seedtag, a “global neuro-contextual advertising company,” brings on former Edelman SVP, corporate and public affairs Brendan McCarthy as chief marketing & communications officer... The Associated Press ups Lauren Easton to SVP and chief communications officer.
