New York, January 10th, 2024. Cognito, the specialist financial communications agency, has announced the appointment of Doug Hesney as the new US Head of Financial Communications and Senior Vice President. Based in the company’s Manhattan office, Hesney’s role will be instrumental in driving the growth of Cognito’s business and service offerings in the North American market. He joins Cognito from Ditto PR, where he served as Chief of Staff.
Doug Hesney is recognized as a trusted counselor to C-Suite executives and a prolific agency builder. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Cognito as the firm looks to further expand its presence across US financial services, building on its 20-year track record in fintech, trading and asset management. Doug brings with him a wealth of experience in developing integrated communications and investor relations strategies, particularly for asset and wealth managers, companies seeking access to capital markets, and diverse professional services firms.
Andrew Marshall, US Managing Director of Cognito commented: “Doug both reinforces our capabilities in our core areas with board-level advice, and meaningfully expands our offer in fields like crisis, capital raising and professional services. Cognito’s CEO Tom Coombes and I have known Doug for a decade and are delighted he’s come on board. Above all he will be a great mentor to the talent we have working in the US on our growing client roster.”
Doug distinguished career is marked by significant advisory roles with high-profile clients. His portfolio includes advising top executives on critical presentations at major conferences, such as CNBC’s Delivering Alpha and the Sohn Investor Forum, as well as preparing them for appearances before Congressional committees and on broadcast media. His industry insights and strategic acumen have benefitted firms including Marsh McClennan, Mercer, Direxion ETFs, Bakkt, and CleanCapital, among others.
Doug holds a JD degree from St. John’s University School of Law and dual BA degrees in Political Science and Mass Communications from Washington & Lee University. His academic background, combined with his extensive professional experience, positions him uniquely to lead Cognito’s efforts in innovating and expanding financial communication strategies in the US market.
