Kirsty Graham Steps Down as Edelman US CEO
The Edelman US chief executive will depart the firm at the end of the year after leading the American unit for three years.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Advertising
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Kirsty Graham is stepping down from her role as CEO of Edelman US after a three-year stint leading the firm's American operations. Global Chief Operating Officer Matt Harrington is set to take over the leadership responsibilities on an interim basis.
Why it matters
The leadership change marks a significant shift for the global public relations agency as it prepares for a transition in its core domestic market. Graham will remain with the firm until the end of the year to assist with the handover and support existing clients.
Kirsty Graham concludes a six-year tenure at Edelman, including three years spent serving as the chief executive of the firm's US division.
The players
Kirsty Graham
The outgoing CEO of Edelman US previously worked as a senior executive at Pfizer and a diplomat for New Zealand at the United Nations.
Matt Harrington
He currently serves as the global chief operating officer for the public relations firm Edelman.
Edelman
This global communications firm provides public relations services to corporate and government clients worldwide.
The details
Graham previously held roles at Pfizer as senior VP of corporate affairs and served as New Zealand's deputy permanent representative at the United Nations. Matt Harrington is currently the company's global chief operating officer and will step into the interim CEO role on November 2.
Timeline
Matt Harrington begins as interim US CEO on November 2, 2026.
Kirsty Graham will conclude her tenure at Edelman on December 31, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs amid a broader pattern of executive turnover within the global marketing services sector as firms adjust their domestic management structures. The change positions Edelman to realign its operational strategy under existing global leadership.
Clients of Edelman US should expect a transition period as leadership duties shift to the interim CEO through the end of the year. This move primarily affects organizational strategy rather than immediate service pricing or availability for current subscribers.
The takeaway
Management changes in large public relations firms are common events that often signal internal strategic pivots. Clients should maintain open lines of communication with their account representatives during executive transitions to ensure continuity of service.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, see the latest updates in Advertising.
Source note: This article includes information reported by O'Dwyers PR.
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