James Walker will lead social engagement and digital strategies designed to raise corporate reputation, executive visibility, and more.
Ruder Finn has named James Walker (pictured) to the firm’s U.S. Corporate Practice as Group Vice President of Social Engagement & Digital Content. He brings broad expertise in digital analytics, digital infrastructure development, community and channel management, and paid media placement to the role.
In his new capacity, he has been charged with leading social engagement and digital content strategies designed to enhance corporate reputation, raise senior executive visibility, build influencer and stakeholder engagement, and manage crisis and issues communications for agency clients.
Walker will report to Keith Hughes, EVP, U.S. Corporate Practice Head at Ruder Finn and closely collaborate with the group’s in-house digital practice, RFI Studios. He was formerly was VP, Digital & Corporate at Cohn & Wolfe, where he led digital strategy for the New York corporate practice.
His extensive communications experience includes past work for clients such as Capital One, Boehringer Ingelheim, Deloitte, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, and Nestlé—in industries that range from technology, pharma and sustainability to luxury goods and professional services.
In addition to his diverse project level experience, he worked in a global capacity for the past six years, managing teams with member across several key markets including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, London, Bogota, Mexico City, Ulaanbaatar, São Paulo, Melbourne, and Zurich.
“James has a strong global industry reputation for driving multichannel communications initiatives that push new boundaries and achieve superior results. His vision will help our clients anticipate how they can get ahead of the competition in an increasingly tough marketplace,” said Hughes.
