Appointments advance the firm's senior-led advisory model, bringing specialized expertise and experienced counsel to complex business and reputation challenges.

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Clario Group, a global strategic communications and advisory firm, today announced the appointment of five senior advisors, advancing its model of assembling experienced, specialized teams around clients' most pressing business and reputational challenges.

The new advisors — Melissa May, Amy Wulfestieg, Dave Quast, Jeff Leopold and Jordan Friedman— bring decades of experience across corporate transformation, crisis and reputation management, executive communications, public affairs and brand strategy. Their backgrounds include leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, global communications agencies, and major news organizations.

The appointments reflect Clario Group's continued investment in a senior-led advisory model that combines deep industry expertise, strategic judgment and integrated communications capabilities to help organizations navigate change, protect reputation and drive growth.

"Clients need experienced advisors who understand the business implications of communications decisions and can help them navigate increasingly complex challenges," said Matthew Della Croce, CEO and Co-founder of Clario Group. "We're building a firm around that need, bringing together exceptional senior talent and specialized expertise rather than relying on a traditional agency structure. These five leaders have guided major corporate transformations, managed high-stakes reputational issues, and shaped some of the world's most recognized brands. Their collective experience strengthens our team and enhances the value we deliver to our clients."

The advisors will work directly with Clario Group's leadership and client teams, providing specialized counsel and expanding the firm's ability to deploy the right expertise for each engagement.

The Five New Senior Advisors

Melissa May, Senior Advisor, Executive Communications, brings 25 years of experience as a network television journalist and producer, including CBS Evening News, ABC's Good Morning America, and CNN's Larry King Live. An Emmy and Peabody Award-winning reporter and producer, and founder of The Executive's Producer, she advises C-suite leaders on media interviews, keynote speeches, and other high-profile communications.

Amy Wulfestieg, Senior Advisor, Transformation Communications, brings extensive experience leading corporate communications and organizational change. Most recently, as Chief Communications Officer at Brightspeed, she led communications through its carve-out from Lumen Technologies. She previously held senior roles at Nordstrom, Alight Solutions and Aon.

Dave Quast, Senior Advisor, Crisis & Reputation, brings more than 30 years of experience in crisis management, corporate reputation, litigation communications and public affairs. Founder of EDQ Strategies, he previously spent 12 years at FTI Consulting and held senior roles at a Fortune 10 company and an Am Law 100 law firm. He is also an adjunct professor at USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism.

Jeff Leopold, Senior Advisor, Consumer & Technology Branding, brings more than 25 years of experience developing integrated brand and communications strategies for Samsung, Disney, Budweiser and Dell. Most recently at Allison Worldwide, he led U.S. Client Experience initiatives and served as Chief of Staff and senior strategic lead for Samsung. His career also includes leadership roles at Ogilvy, Sharp Electronics and Disney.

Jordan Friedman, Senior Advisor, Corporate Affairs, advises corporations, professional services firms and public officials on reputational, regulatory and business challenges. He previously spent 15 years as a partner at Bond Moroch and held positions at Ogilvy, MSL and Fleishman-Hillard.

The appointments strengthen Clario Group's ability to combine senior advisory counsel, specialized communications expertise, and AI-enabled insights into flexible teams designed to deliver measurable client impact.

About Clario Group

Clario Group is a global strategic communications and advisory firm helping organizations navigate change, strengthen reputation and drive business growth. Combining senior-level expertise, data-driven insights, behavioral science, and AI-enabled capabilities, Clario Group delivers integrated communications strategies designed to influence stakeholders and achieve measurable business outcomes.

www.clariogroup.com 

Media Contact: media@clariogroup.com 

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SOURCE Clario Group