Ruder Finn Establishes New Global Chief Digital Officer Role

Scott Schneider appointed to lead agency digital expansion

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May 17, 2011, 01:42 ET

NEW YORK, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruder Finn, one of the world's largest independent public relations agencies, has announced the creation of a new global position, Chief Digital Officer.

Scott Schneider, head of RFI Studios, Ruder Finn's full-service digital communications agency, will assume the additional role of global Chief Digital Officer of Ruder Finn Inc. Schneider will continue to run RFI Studios, one of the PR industry's largest dedicated digital groups, and now additionally coordinate and grow the agency's digital offerings across Ruder Finn's global footprint, concentrating on Asia, Europe and the U.S. RFI has developed many award-winning programs, including fully immersive websites, Facebook platforms and mobile apps, as well as digital video, social programs and emerging technologies strategy.

"Our digital practice has experienced explosive growth. Currently, every segment of our business is either linked to digital, driven by digital or affected by digital," said Kathy Bloomgarden, Co-CEO of Ruder Finn. "The creation of this worldwide position will insure that we stay at the cutting edge, and offer the most advanced, innovative thinking and execution to our clients. Scott has developed a breakthrough offering by combining the creative edge of an award-winning digital shop with the communications insight of experienced PR professionals."

For over a decade, Schneider has been an executive vice president at Ruder Finn and Managing Director of RFI Studios, based in New York. Consisting of 45 dedicated technical, creative and strategic professionals, RFI Studios bridges the gap between traditional public relations and digital and social media. Clients encompass a wide range of Fortune 100 companies, leading world institutions and cutting-edge brands across Ruder Finn's four strategic areas of focus: Health & Wellness, Corporate & Public Trust, Technology & Innovation, and Consumer Connections.

"Regardless of sector or geography, every client today needs to be thinking about how to engage directly with its stakeholder base," says Michael Schubert, Ruder Finn's Chief Innovation Officer. "User intent is the new demographic, and leveraging current and emerging digital technologies to engage meaningful interaction is key to unlocking opportunity for today's businesses and brands. By expanding the RFI Studios offering globally, Scott will help ensure that Ruder Finn's clients, wherever they are, get the best in digital thinking."

Schneider adds, "The marketplace is incredibly crowded, with every kind of agency selling digital right now, but time and time again we see that clients are looking for innovative digital programs that set them apart from their competition. This demand fuels our focus to create and execute the best digital campaigns, properties and ideas out there. I am incredibly excited to ensure Ruder Finn continues to do that."

In addition to the RFI Studios team in New York, Schneider will be leading dedicated on-the-ground teams in Asia, Europe and across the U.S. – an expert group of more than 70 digital innovators with diverse capabilities – to unify emerging media, SEO/SEM and social media offerings. He will continue to grow Ruder Finn's thought-leadership and involvement in the digital community and beyond.

About RFI Studios (www.rfistudios.com)

RFI Studios is a boutique interactive agency embedded within the independently owned and operated global public relations agency Ruder Finn. A team of 45 dedicated technical, creative and strategic professionals build best-in- class websites and digital platforms, supported by interactive marketing, advertising and public relations campaigns, for major U.S. and international clients.

A strategic and integrated approach is brought to every project, leveraging the full strength and reach of Ruder Finn's world-class network of partners. With practice area specialists in segments ranging from healthcare and technology to consumer marketing and corporate reputation building, RFI Studios bridges the gap between traditional public relations and digital media.

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 offices in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington, London, Paris, Jerusalem, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. The agency also works with affiliates in major markets throughout the U.S., Europe and Latin America. The agency services the global and local communications needs of more than 250 corporations and nonprofit organizations.

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.