Edelman has made two significant hires to its senior leadership teams in Toronto and Calgary.
John Larsen will become executive vice-president, national practice lead, crisis and risk in the Calgary office. He joins the firm on Aug. 10.
Michael Murphy has been named senior vice-president, national sector lead, health in Toronto, effective immediately.
Larsen will lead the firm’s crisis and risk specialists in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. He will also work closely with Edelman’s global crisis and risk practice.
Larsen is currently the president of Zero Hour Strategy, a consultancy specializing in reputation management and executive crisis counsel. Before that, he founded the independent critical communications firm Corpen Group. He is accredited in communications by the United Nations.
Murphy will lead Edelman Canada’s health sector, overseeing a team of more than 20 practitioners across the country. He replaces Scott Evans who is now general manager of Edelman Toronto.
Murphy has more than 15 years experience leading large accounts. Most recently, he led Pfizer’s over-the-counter and Champix business in Canada as a marketing consultant with Y&R Toronto.
Prior to that, Murphy worked in client service at Y&R for 15 years, including in Warsaw, Frankfurt, Paris, London and New York, and managed businesses at the global, regional and local levels.
“John and Michael bring exceptional talent and experience that enhance our offerings both globally and locally and further distinguish Edelman as a leading-edge communications marketing firm that’s well-poised to evolve, promote and protect our clients’ brands and reputations,” said Lisa Kimmel, president, Edelman Canada, in a statement.
