Inizio Evoke has appointed agency veteran Kelly Cusumano as Executive Vice President, Growth & Client Innovation. In this newly created role, she will lead growth initiatives and develop integrated solutions for clients across public relations, communications, and policy.

Cusumano brings more than 25 years of experience, having worked with companies such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, MD Anderson, and Johnson & Johnson. Known for combining strategic insight with data-led storytelling, she joins from Edelman, where she spent the last decade.

Maryellen Royle, group president at Inizio Evoke comms, said Cusumano will help shape the future for clients and the industry. “She’s a rare talent with sharp instincts and a deep belief in the power of communications to drive meaningful outcomes.”

Cusumano will focus on supporting clients in pharma and biotech through high-stakes moments such as launches, regulatory setbacks, and market shifts. She will also champion the use of data, AI, and analytics to strengthen storytelling and accelerate innovation.

“Inizio Evoke sits at the intersection of health, innovation, and impact,” said Cusumano. “I’m excited to harness the platform’s capabilities to help clients drive meaningful change.”

Stephanie DeViteri, president for North America, said the appointment highlights the increasing value of earned-first communications in a complex, data-driven landscape.

CEO and founder Reid Connolly added: “Kelly brings the kind of strategic and human-first leadership that aligns with our ambition to deliver integrated, intelligence-led solutions for health brands navigating change.”