Edelman appoints Michael Slaby as global digital head

Slaby assumes responsibilities for the digital practice previously held by Rick Murray, who was recently appointed president of Edelman Chicago, the firm’s co-headquarters. He will be based in Chicago and will report to Nancy Ruscheinski, president and chief operating officer at Edelman US and immediate past chair at Edelman Digital.

In his new role, Slaby will be responsible for identifying and scaling digital best practices, while developing intellectual property, brokering cross-region solutions and deploying digital talent and resources around the network.

Slaby most recently led communications and technology strategy for venture capital firm TomorrowVentures as its chief technology strategist and also served as a technology and new media advisor to the Obama administration.

“By evolving our Edelman Digital business and continuing to ‘digitise’ the broader firm, we will continue to bring digital fluency to our clients,” said Richard Edelman (pictured), president and CEO at Edelman.

“Mike has pioneered stakeholder participation through digital engagement, so he is the ideal choice to lead our fast-growing digital business and help transform our entire firm."

“I was drawn to Edelman because of its independence, world-class thought leadership and global footprint as a leader in engagement through digital communications,” said Slaby. “I look forward to helping the firm chart the course for the PR industry by knitting digital strategy into all strategic communications and continue to grow Edelman Digital into a best-in-class operation globally.”

Edelman Digital includes more than 300 employees worldwide and represents approximately 11 per cent of the firm’s global revenue. Clients include API, AstraZeneca, eBay, Kraft Foods, RIM, Schering-Plough, Walmart and Unilever.

Digital is also a part of nearly every client programme worldwide.