Edelman makes senior executive redundant as part of global directive
Staff at Edelman Australia are reeling after a senior executive was unexpectedly one of two locals to be made redundant as part of worldwide downsizing.
Executive vice president, head of corporate APAC, Susan Redden Makatoa is among the approximate 240 global staff made redundant, as well as Edelman Australia’s financial director.
Susan Redden Makatoa is among the global redundancies
CEO, Richard Edelman, today announced a reorganisation to the company, to “better position [its] firm for the future”.
In an email sent to staff, seen by Mumbrella, Edelman said the agency wants to better meet the needs of its clients.
“Unfortunately, as we initiate this reorganisation, we will part ways with approximately 240 people (~4% of our workforce), the majority of whom are at senior levels,” the email read.
“This is a hard day for the firm, but I want all of you to know that I am confident in our future,” wrote Edelman. “I truly believe we will become THE communications advisory firm because trust drives growth and action earns trust.”
Edelman added: “We are a firm built on the premise of family ownership, and together we’ll focus on supporting one another and rallying as only we can to enable clients to meet the needs of their customers and serve the broader society.”
Mumbrella understands conversations with affected staff began on Wednesday afternoon, prior to Edelman’s email.
Redden Makatoa started at Edelman in early 2020 as group managing director, Australia, and moved into the executive role in late 2021.
Via a LinkedIn post, she said: “I’m so very grateful to have worked with so many smart and wonderful people and I will miss the bants and the learning, every day.
“I’m also incredibly thankful to the clients I’ve worked with – some of the most complex and challenges projects of my career,” she said.
“As Ted Lasso would say – Onward. Forward,” Redden Makatoa concluded.
Mumbrella understands the move has shocked and saddened staff, given her high standing.
The news comes just 2 weeks after Asia Pacific vice chair, Michelle Hutton, announced her departure, after 13 years.
Mumbrella has reached out to Edelman Australia for comment.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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