NEW YORK 08/30/2021 David Finn, co-founder of leading global communications agency, Ruder Finn, and widely recognized as a founding father of the public relations industry, celebrates his 100th birthday today.

David Finn founded Ruder Finn in 1948, with his friend and business partner Bill Ruder. Operating as Chairman and CEO for over 70 years, David helped push the boundaries of the communications world, establishing the model for a modern public relations agency in Ruder Finn. In 2015, he was inducted into PRWeek’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the communications industry and the establishment of the PR profession. Throughout his career, David cemented the role of Communications in the C-suite and elevated Ruder Finn’s position as a global communications leader.

David’s talents extend far beyond the communication industry. He is a widely celebrated photographer and supporter of the arts, and published over 100 books of photography of sculpture – a second, and prolific, career he began by first capturing by camera Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures while in Norway with his wife, Laura, resulting in a book titled, Embrace of Life: The Sculpture of Gustav Vigeland. From there he went on to have his photography exhibited at shows around the world. Throughout his lifetime, David has also served as an adjunct professor of public relations at New York University, as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and as a member of the Advisory Council for the National Endowment for the Humanities.

“David always says time is elastic. What he means is that you can always do more, but you must prioritize the things that are most important to you. This has really stuck with me, and I continue to instill this thinking into the core of our business” says Kathy Bloomgarden, David’s daughter, and current CEO of Ruder Finn. “When we are inspired to act on something, we will always find the time and energy to dive into a project that comes along. That inspiration and drive is how my father started Ruder Finn and it is how we continue to infuse passion and creativity into our culture today.”

David has always championed that you have to be factual in how you approach client challenges and always encouraged us all at Ruder Finn to take a step back and look at each scenario from multiple angles. David stands for the value of multiple vantage points, which is increasingly important in an era of constant change and disruption.

About Ruder Finn
Ruder Finn is one of the world’s largest independent global communications and creative agencies. Founded in 1948, Ruder Finn has defined and redefined PR for more than 70 years, shaping communications that help move industry-defining brands, companies, and leaders from what’s now to what’s next. Headquartered in New York, Ruder Finn provides clients with bold communications strategies based on a global perspective and localized market knowledge that redefine leadership, reimagine the marketplace, and rethink customer experiences around a shared sense of purpose. The agency is organized around four core areas of expertise: Health & Wellness, Corporate Reputation, Technology & Innovation and Consumer Connection. Specialty practices include RF Relate, RFx Studios, ICX and RF TechLab. Ruder Finn has offices across 4 continents including the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Wholly owned agencies within Ruder Finn Group include: Ruder Finn Inc., RLA Collective, SPI Group, Osmosis Films, jacobstahl, RF Bloom and Bloom Health. For more information visit www.ruderfinn.com