In his new role, he will be responsible for client satisfaction, growth, retention, and ensuring an exceptional experience for Ketchum clients.
Ketchum has appointed Michael O’Brien (pictured) to Chief Client Officer for the global agency, effective immediately. He succeeds Jerry Olszewski, who has served in the aforementioned capacity and Managing Director of the network’s DC office since last September will now move on to other duties.
The latter is set to lead the continued growth and development of said Washington office, while continuing to serve on the agency’s Global Leadership Council. Meanwhile, O’Brien will be responsible for client satisfaction, growth, retention, and ensuring an exceptional experience for client brands.
As Director of Client Development for North America since 2012, he has led numerous client engagements and established an analytical approach to client satisfaction and retention in the region. He is to evolve the role into an orchestrator of specialists and serve as a mentor for clients worldwide.
O’Brien joined Ketchum in 1997; he led the New York Brand Marketing practice until 2004. He then served as head of Cohn & Wolfe’s global brand practice and New York President for five years. He returned as EVP and Director of New York Client Service and was named a partner in 2010.
“Michael is a stellar client counsellor. He has had a hands-on approach to building and maintaining some of our largest client engagements in North America, and I know he will do great things now working with our clients globally,” said Barri Rafferty, Partner and President of Ketchum.
