CEO Kirsty Graham is leaving Edelman after six years, with Global COO Matt Harrington stepping in as interim CEO of the US business while the firm searches for a permanent successor.
Graham, who has led the US operation for nearly three years, will step down from management responsibilities on Monday but remain with the firm through the end of the quarter to support clients and the transition, according to internal memos sent Thursday by Graham and CEO Richard Edelman.
Harrington, who previously served as US CEO before becoming Global COO, will assume the interim role next week.
Graham joined Edelman from Pfizer in 2020. She initially led its global health business, then took charge of global practices and sectors, including leading the global public affairs practice, before being named US CEO.
Her tenure included advising clients through the Covid-19 pandemic and leading the US business through a period of change for the agency and the communications industry.
In his memo, Edelman credited Graham with strong leadership and serving as a trusted counselor to major clients.
"She has also been willing to challenge our thinking and push us to be better," he wrote. "I have valued her perspective and her commitment to our people and clients."
In her message to staff, Graham said: "Few places, let alone agencies, give you a front-row seat to how business shapes the world. I'm grateful for every hard problem and every client who trusted us."
She did not disclose her next move.
Edelman said Harrington's prior experience leading the US and his continued work with major US clients positioned him to oversee the transition."
He knows our people and our business, and I am confident in his ability to lead us through this transition," he wrote.
