Ruder Finn, Inc. Hires Dushka Zapata as Head of the Agency's West Coast Operations

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruder Finn, Inc., a leading independent global communications agency, today announced that Dushka Zapata has joined Ruder Finn to head the agency's west coast operations. This new hire underpins Ruder Finn's commitment to expanding the agency's presence on the west coast, a key region for technology and innovation.

The west coast is a fast-changing, dynamic market. Ruder Finn will focus our energies in key areas of expertise including technology, innovation, healthcare, corporate and consumer brands.

"I'm honored to join the Ruder Finn team and feel that the firm has the right expertise and offerings to fulfill the ever evolving needs of the west coast," said Dushka Zapata, Managing Director, Ruder Finn San Francisco. "This is the moment to redefine a powerful and comprehensive PR offering, rooted in strong digital capabilities to serve clients across industries."

Dushka, a seasoned communications professional with more than 20 years experience, will play a key role in establishing the Ruder Finn San Francisco office and building an integrated communications team across the west coast. Dushka will become the agency's Managing Director, Ruder Finn San Francisco, a newly created position.

Dushka was most recently Executive Vice President and Head of the San Francisco office for Ogilvy & Mather, where she oversaw the agency's full offering in San Francisco. Before joining Ogilvy, Zapata was Executive Vice President for Edelman, where she was deputy general manager of their Silicon Valley office.

"Dushka's experience provides Ruder Finn with the opportunity to strengthen leadership in a west coast business focused on our agency's social capabilities and creative thinking," said Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO, Ruder Finn. "In this fast-changing market, Ruder Finn West will leverage existing core competencies to bring innovative communication offerings to west coast-based multinationals and start-ups alike."

ABOUT RUDER FINN, INC.
Ruder Finn, Inc. is one of the world's largest independent public relations agencies with dual headquarters in the U.S. and China. Founded in 1948, Ruder Finn serves the global and local communication needs of over 250 corporations, governments and non-profit organizations. The agency is organized around four strategic pillars that reflect its core areas of expertise: Health & Wellness, Corporate & Public Trust, Technology & Innovation, and Consumer Connections. Key offerings include corporate reputation and media counsel, executive thought leadership, financial communications, employee engagement and internal communications, and crisis and issues management. RFI Studios, the agency's full-service digital practice, leads the industry in designing and developing internal collaboration platforms, building conversations and communities around brands, and staying top-of-mind in the world of mobile applications. For more information, visit www.ruderfinn.com.

CONTACT:
Rachel Zabinski
Ruder Finn, Inc.
(212) 583-2737
[email protected]

SOURCE Ruder Finn, Inc.