Edelman has named marketing veteran Melissa Nelson head of its Pacific Northwest (PNW) region. Nelson will lead the region’s efforts to deliver powerful ideas that drive growth for clients and earn attention and trust from their stakeholders. She will be based in Seattle, effective November 18.
“I met Melissa when we were agency partners leading our firms’ respective HP business, and immediately respected her as a growth-minded collaborator and formidable competitor,” said Kristine Boyden, Western Region President, Edelman U.S. “I’m thrilled we’re now on the same team -- she brings a deep integrated marketing expertise that, when paired with our earned heritage, will both energize our diverse PNW teams and embolden them to solve new business problems for clients.”
Nelson joins Edelman after serving three years as President of Publicis in Seattle, where she led the agency and partnered with key clients including T-Mobile and Aflac. Her background includes multiple integrated positions, including experience leading businesses of scale at Droga5, 72andSunny and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.
"Having worked in larger holding company models as well as more independently-minded creative shops, I admire and appreciate how Edelman continues to evolve their business while remaining client-focused,” said Nelson. “The idea of earned creative is incredibly compelling and I couldn't be more excited to join the team and learn from some of the best minds in the business."
In the Pacific Northwest, Edelman has offices in Seattle and Portland with more than 250 full-time employees representing global, national and local clients across a range of industries and sectors. The region specializes in multi-channel communication campaigns spanning media relations, analyst relations, social media, community relations, reputation management, creative, influencer, strategy and brand positioning.
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).