Edelman has named Kevin Zier as executive creative director in its Washington, D.C. office. Starting, December 2, Zier will lead the creative practice using his strong knowledge of strategic design to meet client needs and to support D.C.’s fast-growing business portfolio.
Zier will drive the development of creative strategy and channel agnostic ideation by leading a group of creative directors, art directors, designers, motion graphics specialists, content specialists and video producers. He will work in close partnership with planning and in a cross-functional capacity with analytics, technology/connected experience, operations/resourcing, editorial/media strategy and paid/performance marketing.
Zier spent the first 15 years of his career writing copy and creating national ad and advocacy campaigns at Leo Burnett’s Chicago office. For the last four years, Zier has worked at Purple Strategies, as a creative director leading several large pieces of business.
"Edelman is putting so many of the right pieces in place to make some noise in this industry, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of it," said Zier. "I feel my entire career has been leading up to this moment. I can’t wait to join the talented team Lisa is assembling. This office—with all of its smarts and upward trajectory—is fast becoming a go-to, big idea resource for our clients, and the entire global network."
Zier will report to Lisa Ross, president of Edelman’s Washington, D.C. office and be part of the office’s executive committee.
Of Zier, Ross remarked, “I have always believed that creative ideation is a central component to everything we do. What I love about Kevin is that his experience at Leo Burnett has proven his creative abilities, while his experience at Purple shows he can execute in this market.”
Edelman also has added Vik Tohan to its Finance team as regional finance director, effective December 16. Tohan will report to Jennifer Rayman, chief financial officer of Edelman U.S., with a dotted line into Ross.
After nearly a decade as senior vice president of Finance and Operations at Ketchum, Tohan comes to Edelman with a demonstrated ability to counsel on key financial metrics to help drive business and operational growth, which will support Edelman’s ever evolving business strategy. At Ketchum, Tohan managed all government audits for the firm, while providing investment and budget management guidance to teams across the company.
“If you assemble the right talent, profitability will follow,” said Ross. “Along with our recent hire of Yanick Wilson as EVP of Human Resources and Culture, the addition of Vik will now allow us to complete our core administrative team and take our operation to the next level.”
Tohan will be responsible for managing all financial operations of the Washington D.C. office. In his new role, he will oversee D.C.’s financial goals, objectives and budgets, providing direction for financial operations including client finance, forecasting, contract negotiations, compliance and decision support.
“I am extremely grateful to Lisa, Jenn and the team for this tremendous opportunity. I’m excited about the future as well as what we can accomplish together,” Tohan said. “I look forward to helping further strengthen our discipline as we invest, build, and scale to achieve continued growth and momentum in this very important and ever-changing market.”
About Edelman
Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. Our 6,000 people in more than 60 offices deliver communications strategies that give our clients the confidence to lead and act with certainty, earning the trust of their stakeholders. Our honors include the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for PR; Advertising Age’s 2019 A-List; the Holmes Report’s 2018 Global Digital Agency of the Year; and, five times, Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work. Since our founding in 1952, we have remained an independent, family-run business. Edelman owns specialty companies Edelman Intelligence (research) and United Entertainment Group (entertainment, sports, lifestyle).