Lippe Taylor, the New York-based creative communications agency, announced the hiring of Stephanie Smirnov as the agency’s Chief Engagement Officer. Smirnov brings extensive experience in consumer brand building and corporate communications, having previously held executive leadership positions both client-side and agency-side.
Smirnov comes to Lippe Taylor from Scholastic, where she served as EVP and head of global corporate communications. Reporting both to the CEO and CSO, she oversaw earned and social media, CEO communications, corporate marketing, crisis management, internal communications, events and partnerships. Smirnov was also responsible for coordinating a consistent corporate narrative across multiple business units and regions and oversaw the development of the company’s fully integrated 100th anniversary campaign.
Before joining Scholastic, Smirnov served as MD of Edelman’s largest brand practice with responsibility for a diverse portfolio of clients including Unilever, TJX, Church & Dwight, Chobani and Priceline. Prior to that, she spent more than a decade at DeVries Public Relations, rising to the role of U.S. CEO and senior steward of the agency’s P&G relationship. Earlier in her career, Smirnov held leadership roles on in-house communications teams at L’Oréal USA and the Donna Karan Beauty Company.
Smirnov joins Lippe Taylor at a time when the agency has emerged from the disruption of 2020 with year-over-year growth in hand, and an eye toward bringing clients continued access to the industry’s best talent. As Chief Engagement Officer, she will oversee the agency’s client leadership teams.
“We are continuing to see the convergence of consumer marketing and corporate communications, which is what makes someone like Stephanie such a valuable consultant for our clients,” explains Lippe Taylor CEO, Paul Dyer. “Add to that her track record of mentorship and elevating talented agency professionals, and we are equally excited for our staff as well as our clients, to have Stephanie coming on board.”
Smirnov is guided by the belief that communications and stakeholder engagement can drive business results, transform employee culture and help create meaningful change in the world.
“I’ve known and respected Lippe Taylor for many years,” she says. “It’s been impressive to watch this leadership team evolve the agency’s capabilities and drive growth, all while keeping their special company culture intact. I can’t think of a better place to return to my agency roots and am excited to be back in the trenches working hands-on with clients and team members alike.”
Smirnov will report to Lippe Taylor CEO, Paul Dyer. Tracy Naden, formerly Chief Engagement Officer, is being elevated to a new role which will be announced in the coming weeks.
