Edelman names new worldwide chief operating officer

Edelman has announced the appointment of Matthew Harrington as its new global chief operating officer (COO), overseeing all four of the agency's geographical territories.

Mr Harrington, the current head of Edelman's US operations, will assume his newly expanded role at the company on July 1st 2012, serving as chairman of its conflict management committee, while also taking responsibility for its human resources, legal and IT functions.

He has been with the media agency for almost 30 years and offers expertise in the fields of crisis communications, mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings, while his specialities are corporate positioning and reputation management.

Mr Harrington's promotion comes at a time when Edelman is experiencing considerable global growth, expanding its commercial capabilities and geographical reach.

Richard Edelman, the company's president and chief executive officer, said: "The time couldn't be more right to appoint a global COO to help ensure we're well-positioned globally for continued growth and dimensionalisation."

Last year, Edelman strengthened its capabilities with the appointment of Claudia Patton as its chief talent officer.