Former MSLGroup executive to lead Grayling’s rapidly expanding U.S. operation
NEW YORK – Grayling, a leading global communications firm, announced the appointment of Peter Harris as U.S. Chief Executive Officer. Harris, who will be based in New York when he starts Jan. 1, will have responsibility for Grayling’s fast-growing network of U.S. offices. He’ll report to Global CEO Pete Pedersen.
“He’s got big agency experience, but has also built a start-up agency from scratch. He’s effective in the board room of large multinationals, and equally compelling at the white board with start-ups. He’ll be a great addition to our leadership team.”
Harris most recently served as senior vice president at MSL, where he doubled the size of the agency’s flagship Corporate and Technology Practice in three years and helmed the global United Technologies account. Prior to MSL, Harris served in leadership roles at Ketchum, Access and Peppercomm, where he led engagements for clients like IBM, HP, Citibank, Visa, Genentech and National Grid.
“Peter is a rare talent and incredibly well-respected within our industry,” said Pete Pedersen, Global CEO. “He’s got big agency experience, but has also built a start-up agency from scratch. He’s effective in the board room of large multinationals, and equally compelling at the white board with start-ups. He’ll be a great addition to our leadership team.”
Harris’ appointment punctuates Grayling’s recent momentum in the U.S. marketplace. Earlier this year, the firm rebranded DutkoGrayling’s five offices to simply “Grayling” and unified the domestic operation. Grayling also added new senior talent in the U.S. including Perry Tell as regional head of Grayling Digital and Gina Sorice as senior managing director of its New York corporate practice.
In addition to his U.S. responsibilities, Harris will be part of Grayling’s International Board of Directors, a leadership team that’s been steadily bolstered this year with the additions of regional executives Loretta Ahmed (META), Wolfgang Lang (Western Europe) and Jan Simunek (CEE & Russia).
About Grayling
Grayling is a leading global communications network founded in 1981 to deliver data-driven strategies for Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Government Affairs and Investor Relations.
Grayling operates from 54 offices in 26 countries worldwide across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. The firm works across multiple sectors including Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Healthcare, Technology, Consumer Brands, Financial Services, Transport & Logistics, and Government & Public Sector. For more information visit www.grayling.com.
Grayling is part of Hunstworth plc (www.huntsworth.com) an international consultancy group focused on public relations and integrated healthcare communications.
