Rob Lorfink is Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Ketchum, a leading global public relations firm with more than 100 offices and affiliates worldwide. Rob oversees Ketchum’s global operations teams, including the finance, talent management and development, legal, and information technology groups, and is responsible for aligning the agency’s business operations with the overall strategy of the company. A Senior Partner, Rob also serves on the agency’s nine-member worldwide Executive Committee.
In his dual capacity as COO and CFO, Rob has been instrumental in Ketchum achieving growth in profit and cash flow in every year since he joined the agency in 2003. Overseeing new ventures, mergers and acquisitions, he also has helped Ketchum diversify and expand its breadth of services through various channels.
Most notably, in 2009, Ketchum merged with European market-leader Pleon, making Ketchum one of largest and most geographically diverse communications consultancies in the world. In 2010, the firm further advanced its expansion strategy by acquiring management stakes in TBWA/RAAD Middle East, Maslov PR in Russia, and Ketchum Greater China. Other recent successes in which he played a key role include the launch of Emanate and Zócalo Group, and the partnerships with MMG and Access Communications.
In 2007, Rob was the only non-PR professional chosen by PRWeek for the magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, which recognizes 40 PR leaders under the age of 40 who have excelled in innovating, growing existing business and inspiring colleagues.
Rob joined Ketchum from Omnicom Group’s Diversified Agency Services (DAS) division, where he held the position of Vice President of Finance and Operations. Prior to Omnicom, Rob worked at Weber Shandwick, serving in roles that included North American CFO and COO for New York. He is a graduate of St. Peter’s College.
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