Ruder Finn Launches New Technology & Innovation Practice

NEW YORK, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruder Finn, Inc., one of the world's largest communications firms, today announced that it will be expanding its business to create an integrated communications offering specifically designed for the high-growth technology industry. The new offering will leverage Ruder Finn's heritage and global expertise in innovation to help companies in the technology industry develop their unique stories and disseminate them through traditional, digital and social media. Sabrina Guttman will join the agency in a newly created role, Global Head of Technology & Innovation, to lead this wholly-dedicated practice, reporting to Co-CEO Kathy Bloomgarden. Guttman will oversee technology business in all regions, including the firm's large footprint in Asia. She will be based in San Francisco, California.

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"The innovation coming from the technology industry is driving unprecedented socio-economic change," said Bloomgarden. "This represents a huge opportunity for companies as they develop new markets, and grow market share with additional offerings. We are seizing this opportunity by expanding our award-winning traditional and interactive communications capabilities into this fast-paced arena. Sabrina's experience working with some of the industry's largest brands, combined with her passion for technology, will enable us to further empower Ruder Finn's capabilities and counsel, offering clients expertise in an area that is critical to their business success."

Drawing upon 15 years of counsel to brands such as Dell, HP, IBM, SAP and Sun Microsystems, Guttman is widely seen as a strategic communicator in the technology sector. Most recently, Guttman was the General Manager of AxiCom North America, tending to the global strategic needs of their foundational client, Dell Inc. Prior to joining AxiCom, Guttman was the VP of Communications at Business Objects, where she led the communications around SAP's acquisition of the company. Previously Guttman was at Burson-Marsteller, where she managed the HP Technology Solutions business. She was also a key member of the communications team at both Sun Microsystems and IBM during transformative times in each company's history.

"I'm thrilled that Sabrina is joining us. Her expertise and management qualities continue our tradition of industry leadership," said David Finn, Founder.

Guttman will be supported by the technology heads across Ruder Finn's global network, including leaders in the UK and Asia-Pacific regions. A highly diversified team of PR professionals with specialties ranging from healthcare technologies and corporate communications to online interfacing will provide a well supported network of expertise to deepen client relationships. The team will be responsible for developing client programs in both the B2B and B2C arenas.

"The simultaneous growth and consolidation of the technology industry represents a huge opportunity for communications, and I am thrilled to be joining Ruder Finn at such a dynamic time," says Guttman. "The firm's existing expertise in creative storytelling, as well as its proven experience in traditional and digital communications, will be huge assets as we build an offering specifically designed for the needs of this evolving industry."

About Ruder Finn (www.ruderfinn.com)

Ruder Finn, Inc. is a leading communications, counseling and services agency with more than 65 years' experience. The Ruder Finn Group maintains wholly-owned offices in the U.S., Asia and Europe, and an affiliate network throughout Latin America.  

The agency is organized around four strategic pillars that reflect its key areas of leadership: Health & Wellness, Corporate & Public Trust, Technology & Innovation, and Consumer Connections. Expertise includes corporate reputation management, branding, cultural and social issues, and intent-driven social media through its digital practices, RF Relate and RFI Studios.

Contact: Louise Harris
President, Global Strategy, Ruder Finn
Phone: 212-593-6387
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Ruder Finn, Inc.