In her new Ketchum role, she will advance the group’s momentum, seize opportunities, and help manage its growth on a global basis.
Ketchum has named Barri Rafferty (pictured) to Worldwide President of the agency. Effective immediately, the appointment marks an era of accelerated innovation as the firm works to realise its vision for the group. Meanwhile, current President, Rob Flaherty, assumes the title of Chairman and CEO.
According to him, Rafferty has been innovator and change agent at Ketchum for over 20 years. In her new commission, she will advance the momentum the network already has underway, seize fresh opportunities, and help manage the company’s anticipated growth on a global basis.
“She has a proven track record of anticipating the next shift in the marketing communications landscape and blazing a path for new practice areas and divisions to meet our clients’ needs, delivering break through results, and developing and empowering our people to be successful,” said Flaherty.
She joined the network in 1994 and since 2012, has led the brand’s North America business, its largest region, through a period of growth and business expansion. She anticipated the need for such practice areas as Ketchum Sports & Entertainment and Ketchum Digital.
Rafferty cultivated the aforementioned units from a small creative team to an organisation of more than 100 strategists, developers, producers, and content creators. As president, she will work closely with senior leadership of the firm to guide agency strategy and business development.
She will continue to oversee the North America offices and complementary businesses, Access Emanate Communications, Capstrat, and Harrison & Shriftman. During her 22-year tenure, Rafferty has held several strategic roles, including serving as office director for New York, among others.
