Franco, a Detroit-based public relations, marketing and social media firm, announced the hire of media and PR veteran Ed Garsten as an integrated media consultant. Garsten will advise on Franco’s integrated communications strategies, support media training and crisis work and provide strategic direction on multimedia projects.
“Ed’s 45-year multimedia career has ranged from spinning records on the radio, launching CNN’s second network, pioneering corporate journalism at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and instructing budding broadcast journalists as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University,” said Tina Kozak, president of Franco. “Ed truly embodies Franco’s core value of forward motion—he’s never stopped innovating—and we look forward to bringing his brand of experience and innovation to Franco’s clients and teams.”
Prior to joining Franco, Garsten served as a video reporter at Automotive News. Before that, he was head of digital media at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) where he led FCA’s social media, Internet and broadcast communications to consumers, media, employees, retirees and investors. In this position, he pioneered the concept of corporate journalism, helping the company tell its own story via video, social media and webcasts.
Additionally, Garsten has served in many broadcast and print roles including correspondent, bureau chief, producer and anchor at CNN spanning two decades and automotive writer for the Detroit News and Associated Press. He currently contributes to Forbes.com and maintains a personal blog—edlines.co.
“My goal at Franco is to use the storytelling skills I’ve honed during my long and varied career to enhance the agency’s already superior work,” said Garsten. “Franco has led trends in the industry since 1964, and I’ve respected their leadership ever since I moved to Michigan. It’s an honor to be a part of this team to continue innovating for years to come.”
