Ruder Finn’s Brand Experience practice to lead integrated brand, corporate and reputation communications as Wendy’s enters its next phase of growth

NEW YORK – 7/28/26 – Following a competitive agency review, Wendy’s® has selected Ruder Finn as its communications agency of record. Ruder Finn’s strategic partner, Agnostic, will support the brand’s communications efforts in Canada, providing an integrated North American approach.

The appointment reflects Wendy’s commitment to an integrated communications model that connects brand marketing, corporate reputation, executive visibility and cultural relevance into one cohesive narrative. As one of the world’s largest independent global communications and integrated marketing consultancies, Ruder Finn will partner with Wendy’s to help shape and amplify the company’s transformation story across every audience that influences its business, from consumers and employees to investors, franchisees, media, creators and communities.

The win further accelerates Ruder Finn’s momentum as brands increasingly seek communications partners capable of building reputation and driving growth through integrated stakeholder engagement, cultural intelligence, AI-powered insights and earned first storytelling. Wendy’s joins a growing roster of iconic consumer brands that trust Ruder Finn to help navigate moments of transformation and deliver real business impact.

A Partnership Built for Wendy’s Next Chapter

As Wendy’s communications partner, Ruder Finn will help shape the conversation around the brand’s next chapter by connecting integrated brand, corporate and reputation communications into one cohesive narrative. The agency will drive executive visibility, corporate reputation, strategic storytelling, creator and influencer engagement, cultural relevance and issues management. Ruder Finn will also support product and brand campaigns, digital and loyalty initiatives, and purpose-driven programs that deepen customer relationships, strengthen stakeholder trust and advance Wendy’s long-term business objectives.

A Differentiated Communications Approach

Wendy’s initiated a competitive communications agency review in spring 2026, facilitated in partnership with Knect Solutions. Following a comprehensive evaluation, Ruder Finn was selected over a competitive field of agencies for its integrated strategic approach, creative thinking, AI-enabled capabilities, data-driven measurement and seamless collaboration across its U.S. and Canadian teams.

“Today’s communications environment demands an integrated approach that connects brand, reputation and enterprise strategy,” said Liliana Esposito, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, The Wendy’s Company. “We were looking for a partner that could help us engage every stakeholder with consistency, authenticity and agility. Ruder Finn and Agnostic demonstrated strategic thinking, creative insights, collaborative mindset and strong capabilities in measurement and analytics to help us strengthen our reputation while supporting Wendy’s continued growth.”

“Wendy’s has always stood out because of its distinctive voice, strong brand affinity and ability to connect with fans in culture,” said Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, The Wendy’s Company. “As we continue to grow the brand, we are excited to partner with Ruder Finn to help us tell our story in new and compelling ways, spark conversations that matter and create deeper connections with our customers. Ruder Finn impressed us with its strategic thinking, creativity and ability to bring together every facet of our brand into one cohesive story.”

The partnership brings together experts from across Ruder Finn’s Brand Experience practice, TechLab, Digital Integration Group and Studio53 to support Wendy’s evolving business priorities.

“Wendy’s is one of the world’s most iconic brands, and we’re honored to join the team at such a pivotal moment in its evolution,” said Corinne Gudovic, Managing Director, Brand Experience at Ruder Finn. “The most successful brands today connect every stakeholder through a clear, authentic story that builds trust, relevance and long-term growth. That’s exactly the kind of partnership we’ve built our Brand Experience practice to deliver. We’re excited to bring together the full breadth of Ruder Finn’s capabilities to help amplify Wendy’s transformation, strengthen its reputation and create meaningful connections with everyone who shapes the brand’s future.”

Agnostic to Lead Communications in Canada

Agnostic, award-winning Toronto-based agency and Ruder Finn’s strategic partner, will lead Wendy’s communications in Canada. Operating as an extension of the Ruder Finn team, Agnostic will drive earned communications, spanning media and influencer relations, brand and campaign storytelling, and reputation management across the Canadian market. The team will connect Wendy’s national priorities to Canadian culture, sparking conversations and deepening the brand love Canadians already have.

“For more than 50 years, Wendy’s has been bold and beloved in Canada – exactly the kind of brand we take pride in working with,” said Sarah Crabbe, President of Agnostic. “We’re energized to be the team amplifying Wendy’s voice here, telling untold stories and bringing our better thinking ethos to this legendary, fast-moving brand.”

The partnership is effective immediately, with integrated teams across the U.S. and Canada supporting Wendy’s next phase of growth.

About Ruder Finn:

Ruder Finn is one of the world’s largest independent global communications and integrated marketing agencies, leading the industry in AI strategy and implementation. Founded in 1948, Ruder Finn has defined and redefined PR for over 75 years, shaping communications that move industry-defining brands, companies, and leaders from what’s now to what’s next. Ruder Finn provides clients with bold strategies based on a global perspective and localized market knowledge that redefine leadership, reimagine the marketplace, and rethink customer experiences. The agency is organized around five core areas of expertise—Health Transformation, Technology Acceleration, Brand Experience, Stakeholder Relations, and Workplace of the Future—with innovative tech incubator RF TechLab providing cutting-edge predictive analytics, AI-powered creative hub RF Studio53 offering breakthrough creative, and specialized teams delivering customer-focused digital engagement. Ruder Finn has offices across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Wholly owned agencies and offerings within Ruder Finn Group include: Ruder Finn Inc., RF Studio53, RF Engage, Touchdown, Peppercomm, RF Comunicad, Ruder Finn Atteline, Pandan Social, ERA Communications, Big Sky Communications, Missouri Creative, and The Equity Group. For more information visit www.ruderfinn.com.

About Agnostic:

Agnostic is one of Canada’s fastest-growing strategic communications agencies. Independent and women-led, it builds strategic communications and brand narratives at the intersection of truth and tension, driving real business impact across corporate, technology, consumer and health. In 2025, Agnostic launched its experiential arm, Agnostic Exchange, pairing the power of PR with the immersive impact of experiential marketing. Headquartered in Toronto with a presence across Canada, Agnostic is a Silver winner at Strategy’s Agency of the Year (PR) Awards and was named to Report on Business’s ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2024 and 2025.

Better Thinking. Better Results. Learn more at thinkagnostic.com.

About Wendy’s:
The Wendy’s Company (Nasdaq: WEN) and Wendy’s® franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide. Founded in 1969, Wendy’s is committed to the promise of Fresh Famous Food, Made Right, For You, delivered to customers through its craveable menu including made-to-order square hamburgers using fresh beef*, and fan favorites like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and nuggets, Baconator®, and the Frosty® dessert. Wendy’s supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption®, established by its founder, which seeks to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America’s foster care system. Learn more about Wendy’s at www.wendys.com. For details on franchising, visit www.wendys.com/franchising. Connect with Wendy’s on X, Instagram and Facebook.

*Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S. and Alaska, as well as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the UK, and other select international markets.

Media Contact:

Megan Fitzgibbon

[email protected]