Hoffman Agency Names Gerard LaFond to Lead North America

Kymra Knuth Promoted to Chief Client Officer for North America

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hoffman Agency has tapped Gerard LaFond as managing director of North America. LaFond, who joined the consultancy two years ago as chief digital officer, will succeed Lou Hoffman, who will turn his focus to global operations.

“As we’ve evolved as a communications consultancy that solves client pain points ranging from multi-country campaigns to talent acquisition, Gerard has been a big part of expanding an offering that builds upon our earned media heritage,” said Hoffman. “There’s a natural progression to him moving into the new role.”

There’s never been a more exciting time in tech, according to LaFond. “I am thrilled to step into this new role with Kymra, the U.S. leadership team and my global colleagues to deliver creative and integrated work in North America and beyond. My focus will be to continue our growth from the inside out — growing our people, delivering on our culture of care and promoting our global proposition.”

The company’s North American unit has grown 58% over the past two years, with revenue hitting $8.7M in 2023. In recognition of Kymra Knuth’s role in this growth and leading the consultancy’s Portland office, she’s been promoted to chief client officer, North America.

“The numbers don’t really capture Kymra’s contribution and her hands-on approach to leading accounts and helping others achieve success,” said Hoffman.

While focused on the tech sector, Hoffman is quick to point out that virtually every company is a tech company these days, a dynamic accelerated by artificial intelligence. Toward this end, the consultancy’s client base has expanded in helping non-tech companies tell tech-led stories.

“Between our independence, storytelling pedigree and global footprint across Asia, Europe and North America, we’re in a perfect position to offer a high-touch alternative to the mega shops.”

One of the few independent communication consultancies with global reach — 14 offices across Asia, Europe and the U.S. — the company has charged Caroline Hsu, promoted to the newly created chief global officer role in 2022, with surfacing its untapped “global goodness.” The firm projects revenue to tip the $30M mark this year.

About The Hoffman Agency

The Hoffman Agency (www.hoffman.com) brings the best of both worlds to its clients — the high touch of a boutique, with the sophistication in services associated with the mega shops. While campaigns vary by client and industry, all share one theme: the creation of content that reflects the tenets of storytelling and what the firm calls storytelling techniques.