Edelman has removed the “interim” from the CEO title Bianca Freedman has held since October, formally announcing her as its new chief executive for its Canadian region, effective today.

Previously chief operating officer for Canada, Freedman was named interim CEO following the departure of the company’s previous CEO, Lisa Kimmel. She will report to Edelman’s New York-based global president and COO, Matthew Harrington.

Freedman joined Edelman in 2014 as a digital account director with its reputation practice, and steadily progressed within the company, assuming the COO role in 2020. She held that position during two of the Canadian operations’ strongest performing years, said Edelman in a release.

“Bianca has brought a wealth of experience and excellent strategic and leadership skills to Edelman Canada, and has demonstrated her abilities over the past several months,” said Harrington in a release. “I am confident that Bianca is ideally positioned to lead the Canadian business with excellence, ensuring our clients and employees receive the best that Edelman has to offer.”

“I am honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to lead our incredible Canadian Edelman team,” said Freedman. “Since joining the organization nearly nine years ago, I have witnessed the strength in our firm’s ability to deliver boundary-pushing results that drive real business impact.

“I look forward to continuing to deliver with excellence along with my colleagues, while cultivating our award-winning culture and delivering a best-in-class employee experience.”