Kirk Stewart Launches New Firm Specializing in Corporate Communications
Based in LA, KTStewart begins operation on April 6
LOS ANGELES, April 6, 2015 – Kirk Stewart, former executive director at APCO Worldwide, vice president of corporate communications at Nike and CEO at Manning, Selvage & Lee (now MSLGroup), has formed a new firm, KTStewart, specializing in corporate communications. The new firm will be headquartered in Los Angeles and begin operation on April 6.
“Our goal is to build a non-traditional, client-centric firm providing a fully integrated approach to corporate communications while delivering highly personalized service and exceptional value,” said Kirk Stewart. “We have a unique opportunity to build a values-based firm from the ground up that will attract forward thinking clients looking to build, enhance or protect their reputations and create greater competitive advantage.”
The firm will offer clients a full-range of services including integrated corporate campaigns that help clients:
• Better manage and protect their reputations
• Define their organizations and enhance the excellence of their communications function
• Anticipate, prepare for and manage crises and issues
• Develop citizenship strategies and engagement with stakeholders
• Inspire employees and produce more effective brand ambassadors
• Create, produce and disseminate compelling storytelling content across multiple platforms
Prior to starting KTStewart, Stewart played a leading role in serving APCO’s corporate clients and helping broaden and expand the firm’s corporate communications practice. In addition, he served as a member of APCO’s global executive committee, a member of the firm’s International Advisory Council and managed the firm’s global client management organization.
Before joining APCO, he served as global vice president of corporate communications for Nike, Inc. During his eight years with Nike, Stewart was responsible for corporate media relations, brand communications, crisis and issues management, internal communications, community affairs, sustainable development and stakeholder engagement. He also co-led the global corporate responsibility team and helped Nike become recognized as a leading corporate citizen.
Previously, Stewart spent 16 years with the global public relations firm Manning, Selvage & Lee, the last four-and-a-half years as its chairman and chief executive officer.
He is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society, the Public Relations Society of America and serves on the PRSA Foundation Board, the Conference Board’s Council on Corporate Communications Strategy, and is a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations.
Stewart received his B.A. degree in political science and his M.A. degree in public relations and journalism from the University of Southern California, where he was an instructor in the school of journalism for six years.
“Clients today are looking for a communications partner that can help them create a compelling overall communications strategy delivered with a core creative idea that connects and engages with their target stakeholders, “ Stewart said. “We intend to deliver that in a highly collaborative, creative, entrepreneurial and high energy work environment that will attract the best and the brightest talent."
The new firm is independently owned and affiliated with APCO Worldwide, where Stewart will remain a member of the firm’s International Advisory Council. For more information on the firm, visit KTStewart.com.