Edelman, a leading global communications firm, has recently appointed Laura Cubillos as the new global chair of its food and beverage sector. With her extensive experience and expertise in the industry, Cubillos is set to lead and develop the sector and its client portfolio on a global scale, overseeing a team of over 500 employees and providing strategic communications counsel to some of Edelman’s top clients.
In her new role, Cubillos will work closely with regional leaders to ensure the success and growth of the food and beverage sector within the agency. She will report to Alex Thompson, the president of global practices and sectors at Edelman, and will be responsible for driving innovation and excellence in client service.
Cubillos takes over from Smita Reddy, who previously held the position of global head of food and beverage. Reddy has now assumed a dual role as president of Assembly, a DJE Holding Company serving Microsoft, and as co-leader of Edelman’s global client portfolio alongside Courtney Bigelow. This strategic move reflects Edelman’s commitment to providing top-notch service to its clients and staying ahead of industry trends.
Edelman’s approach to the food and beverage sector is multidisciplinary, drawing on the expertise of consumer engagement specialists, journalists, health and nutrition professionals, farmers, retail and supply chain experts, and even a test kitchen in Chicago, which was launched in 2023. This holistic approach allows the agency to offer comprehensive and innovative solutions to its clients in the food and beverage industry.
Prior to joining Edelman, Cubillos served on Padilla’s executive leadership team as head of the food, beverage, and nutrition practice. She co-founded FoodMinds, a global food and nutrition affairs agency, in 2006 and transitioned to Padilla through its acquisition in 2015. Cubillos also brings with her four years of experience at Edelman, where she worked as SVP and group head on various food and beverage accounts.
Cubillos is not the only recent addition to Edelman’s global practice and sector leadership team. Courtney Gray Haupt and Jen Hauser were appointed as global co-chairs of the agency’s health sector in June, further strengthening Edelman’s expertise and capabilities in key industry sectors.
Despite challenges in the market, Edelman remains a powerhouse in the communications industry. The agency reported a revenue decrease of 4% globally to $1.04 billion and a 9% decrease in the U.S. to $639 million in 2023, according to PRWeek’s Agency Business Report 2024. However, with strategic appointments like Laura Cubillos and a continued focus on innovation and client service, Edelman is poised to maintain its position as a leader in the food and beverage sector and beyond.