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Today we celebrate not only the 67th anniversary of ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ’s founding by my father Dan in the Chicago Merchandise Mart, but more importantly we also celebrate all our employees—past and present—who have helped build ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ into the leading global communications firm in the world.

In the spirit of celebration and of the dedication of our employees, I am proud to announce that Matthew Harrington has been named global president of ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ. He will also remain our global chief operating officer.

Matthew, who has been with ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ for 35 years, is only the third person, aside from my father and me, to hold this title. It recognizes the depth and breadth of his enormous contributions to our growth and success over the past three decades.

Matthew’s story is the best of ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ. He started in our Columbus Circle office in New York in 1984 and would go on to run various offices and regions across the network, including our San Francisco office and the Western region. He moved back to the East Coast to lead the Eastern Region and then the U.S. before becoming our first-ever global chief operating officer.

In 1996, Matthew led the ground-breaking Odwalla crisis management effort, which marked the introduction of the Internet as a vital tool in crisis work. He has been key to the growth and development of many of our key clients, including Starbucks, Microsoft and Charles Schwab. He was a favorite of my parents. My family and I are appreciative for everything he has done for ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ.

In his new role, Matthew will now oversee ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ’s Digital practice and Advisory offering, while continuing to shepherd the firm’s four operating regions, oversee talent and the Client Portfolio Management Committee.

Matthew epitomizes our culture and our values. He is client-centric and deeply committed to excellence. He is dedicated to ensuring that our clients and our firm positively impact society and to creating a meaningful and rewarding work experience for every ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ employee. In all that Matthew does, his spirit of optimism and integrity shines through. He is the ultimate professional.

Founder’s Day is also a time to remember and reiterate the principles that ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ was founded on:

• Everyone is an account executive
• Clients and the work above all else
• Stay humble and loyal
• Invest in our people
• Always strive to deliver great creative
• ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ is a place to build your career

These tenets drive the bold and creative work of our 6,000-plus employees around the world. Let’s continue to demonstrate these principles as we carry on Dan’s work every day. And as always, I am grateful for everything you do day-in and day-out for our clients and for ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ.

Richard ¼«ÀÖÊÓƵ is CEO.