Ketchum, one of the world leaders in communications and public relations, today appointed Diana Garza Ciarlante as director of its growing Atlanta office. Ciarlante assumes the role immediately and will report into Hilary Hanson McKean, partner and managing director, Global Practices, and managing director of theAtlanta, Dallas and Toronto offices.

As head of the Atlanta office – well-known for its award-winning expertise in consumer marketing, corporate reputation, crisis management, retail, travel, food and technology – Ciarlante will be responsible for running all aspects of Ketchum's Atlanta business, including delivering top-quality service to clients, directing the office's leadership team, driving growth and further differentiating Ketchum across the region.

"Diana is known for her innovative ideas, her inspiring and collaborative leadership style and for being an action-oriented manager with a strong vision of what success looks like," said Barri Rafferty, senior partner and CEO, North America. "She has more than 20 years of strategic communications experience on both the local and national stages. She has a firm handle on what clients are looking for and can expertly deliver on that. Diana's a real talent in this market and we are thrilled to have her leading our Atlanta office into the future."

Ciarlante most recently served as vice president of public affairs and communications for Coca-Cola North America. In that role, she generated a steady and positive stream of both traditional and social media attention for Coca-Cola North America's brands, promotions and company activities. She also served on the Coca-Cola Company's sustainability and stakeholder relations team and the company's global Multicultural Leadership Council.

Before joining Coca-Cola, Ciarlante was both a Ketchum colleague and client, first as head of Ketchum Atlanta's Consumer Brand Practice, then as senior director of communications at The Home Depot.

"Having worked closely with Ketchum for many years – both as an employee and as a client – I have great respect for the firm and the people who make it so successful," said Ciarlante. "I look forward to working in partnership with the leadership team that is already in place to take this market-leading office to the next level."