Ruder Finn Welcomes Two Social & Influencer Strategy Leaders to Digital Integration Group

Sara Record will join Ruder Finn as SVP, Social & Influencer Strategy
Annie Highfield will join Ruder Finn as Group VP, Social & Influencer Strategy 

NEW YORK, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruder Finn, one of the world's largest independent global communications and integrated marketing agencies, announced two new hires today that will bolster Ruder Finn's Digital Integration Group (RF DIG). Sara Record and Annie Highfield will join Ruder Finn as SVP and Group VP of Social & Influencer Strategy, respectively. Both Record and Highfield will report directly to Eric Petersen, EVP, Head of Digital. Petersen, who reports to CEO Kathy Bloomgarden, joined Ruder Finn in November 2024.

"I'm thrilled to welcome both Sara and Annie to the Digital Integration Group at Ruder Finn," said Eric Petersen, EVP, Head of Digital. "Sara & Annie will help us to further integrate social and influencer-centric activations and campaigns across Ruder Finn's US client base. They bring a depth of diverse, and data-driven experience to the team which is increasingly important as more clients are prioritizing these strategies in their plans to address shifting consumer behaviors."   

Record brings over 15 years of experience in influencer and social media marketing, from nano-influencers to top-tier celebrities, to Ruder Finn. As SVP of Social & Influencer Strategy, she will be providing senior-level strategic counsel across a variety of accounts. Prior to joining Ruder Finn, Record led strategic influencer initiatives for major healthcare clients and household names. Her deep expertise in pharma, medical devices, and healthcare marketing has been instrumental in integrating influencer partnerships for clients in these highly regulated industries. Record also has experience in multicultural marketing and inclusive programming. She is based in Orange County, California.   

"I believe in the power of authentic storytelling—paired with data and audience insights—to create content that truly connects," said Sara Record, SVP, Social & Influencer Strategy. "Influencer marketing continues to evolve beyond one-off posts toward sustained, community-driven engagement—requiring platform-specific strategies and deeper collaboration between creators and brands. I'm excited to join Ruder Finn to help shape the future of influencer strategy with the innovative Digital Integration Group."  

Annie Highfield brings over 13 years of marketing experience to her new role as GVP of Social & Influencer Strategy at Ruder Finn. She has led culturally relevant, dynamic social brand strategy for iconic consumer brands in food and beverage, technology and consumer packaged goods. Most recently, Annie served as Head of Social and Influencer for KFC's U.S. market at Yum! Brands. She is based in Louisville, KY.   

"I'm beyond excited to join Ruder Finn and bring my experience to such a forward-thinking team," said Highfield. "What drew me in was the opportunity to be a part of the incredibly talented Digital Integration Group—partners who share my passion for building brands that show up meaningfully in culture and creating bold, data-informed social strategies. I'm confident that together, we'll drive real impact and push boundaries in the digital space.    

About Ruder Finn

Ruder Finn is one of the world's largest independent global communications and integrated marketing agencies. Founded in 1948, Ruder Finn has defined and redefined PR for over 75 years, shaping communications that moves industry-defining brands, companies, and leaders from what's now to what's next. Ruder Finn provides clients with bold strategies based on a global perspective and localized market knowledge that redefine leadership, reimagine the marketplace, and rethink customer experiences. The agency is organized around five core areas of expertise—Healthcare, Technology, Consumer Brand, Leadership and Workplace—with innovative tech incubator RF TechLab providing cutting-edge predictive analytics, AI-powered creative hub RF Studio53 offering breakthrough creative, and specialized teams delivering customer-focused digital engagement. Ruder Finn has offices across four continents including the U.S., Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Wholly owned agencies and offerings within Ruder Finn Group include: Ruder Finn Inc., RF Studio53, RF Engage, Touchdown, Peppercomm, RF Comunicad, Mantis, jacobstahl, Flightpath, Ruder Finn Atteline, Pandan Social, RF Bloom, and Big Sky Communications. For more information visit www.ruderfinn.com. 

Contact: Isabelle Lee, [email protected]

SOURCE Ruder Finn