MS&L, one of the world’s leading communications firms,  today announced it has appointed Peter Harris as director of its corporate practice in North America. Harris will maintain his role as director of the New York office’s corporate practice. His new position is effective immediately.

In this newly-created role, Harris will work with MS&L’s corporate practice directors across North America to drive corporate strategy, leverage the agency’s brand positioning, and expand MS&L’s offerings and expertise in corporate communications and reputation management. He will continue to manage and develop key client relationships in New York and across North America.

Harris joined MS&L more than two years ago as senior vice president and director of MS&L's New York corporate group. During his tenure, he doubled the size of the group, both in terms of revenue and headcount. In addition to adding key new accounts such as CIT, IAC and Heidrick and Struggles, he expanded the capabilities of the New York office’s corporate group to include internal communications, CSR, issues management, social media, business-to-business marketing and small business marketing.

”Peter has done a fantastic job building our corporate point of view, brand and offering and is a respected strategic advisor to our clients,” said Jim Tsokanos, president of MS&L, North America. ”He will work with Renee Wilson, MD of MS&L New York, and the practice leaders in other MS&L offices to bring this transformation to our national network.”

Harris has more than 15 years of experience in corporate communications, global account management, corporate positioning, and media relations. Before joining MS&L, he co-managed the global IBM account at Ketchum and also led its Financial Services Group where he worked with entities such as Direct Energy, Towers Perrin and Chase Paymentech Solutions. Additional experience includes tenures as partner and senior director at PepperCom and managing director of the New York office of Access Communications.

”With the financial markets in disarray and businesses in circumstances not seen since the Great Depression, reputation management is more important than ever,” said Harris. ”Companies are looking for trusted advisors to help them navigate through these waters and create advocacy and activation among their key stakeholders.”

MS&L’s corporate practice has produced powerful communications programs for the past 70 years that motivate and influence corporations' constituents. It works with clients to define success, select appropriate methodologies, and marshal worldwide assets, including highly experienced counselors and communications specialists that develop targeted programs to address clients’ most pressing business needs. MS&L’s global corporate practice is based in more than 60 offices in financial and media capitals across the world. Engagements include many of the leading international, national and emerging corporations as well as NGOs, universities and other non-profit institutions.

About MS&L

MS&L is a leading global communications firm and part of MS&L Worldwide, a network of communications brands and consultancies with 54 offices in North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia, as well as an extensive affiliate network. The agency specializes in using research, insights and technology to create and execute powerful communications strategies that are critical to client success. With a unique combination of advice, advocacy and action, MS&L delivers measurable business results for many of the world's largest companies and most successful brands.

MS&L Worldwide (mslworldwide.com) is a member of the Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577), the world’s fourth largest communications group, and a global leader in digital and online advertising, media consulting, and healthcare communications. With some 45,000 professionals in 104 countries, the Groupe's activities cover advertising through three global advertising networks:  Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, as well as through its two multi-hub networks Fallon Worldwide and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty; media agencies with two worldwide networks ZenithOptimedia and Starcom MediaVest Group; and marketing services, including digital and interactive communications through Digitas, relationship and direct marketing, public and media relations, corporate and financial communications, multicultural communications, and event communications. The Groupe is also the world leader in healthcare communications. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com.