Zeno Group has appointed David Baum as Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Affairs, East, based in New York City. David will report to Zeno East Managing Director Leah Katz, joining an integrated, award-winning Corporate Affairs practice helping clients navigate their most critical reputational moments. 

A trusted C-suite advisor and one of PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” communications leaders, David brings deep expertise at the intersection of corporate reputation, public affairs, and integrated marketing. David joins Zeno’s broader U.S. Corporate team, focused on guiding Fortune 500 companies through industry firsts, complex issues, enterprise transformations, employee engagement and more.

“This is a seminal moment for the communications industry and specifically corporate affairs,” Baum said. “With a geopolitical reordering converging with generational advancements in technology, there has never been a more important time for the work we do, helping our clients look around corners and avoid the pitfalls. I have always admired Zeno for being on the front foot when it comes to innovation and that mentality will be a winning differentiator on the road to 2030.” 

David joins a team of more than 130 corporate communications experts globally, led by Chief Reputation Strategist & Global Managing Director Mark Shadle and U.S. Head of Corporate Affairs Kim Metcalfe,  who was recently honored with a PRWeek Woman of Distinction award. Zeno Corporate Affairs was also shortlisted for PRWeek’s 2024 Corporate Agency of the Year, underscoring its role as a challenger brand to legacy consultancies and a top destination for talent and clients. 

At Zeno, David will help lead the East Coast Corporate Affairs team across New York City and Washington, D.C., strengthening the practice’s presence in two influential markets while complementing the broader national and global team. 

“David’s arrival reinforces our commitment to attracting top-tier talent that elevates how we counsel clients and show up in the market,” said Metcalfe. “Our strong team gains even more depth with David’s leadership as we guide clients through high-stakes, matrixed challenges with modern reputational thinking, a holistic view of business impact, and the agility to meet the moment across established and emerging fronts.”