Highwire, a strategic marketing and communications agency, has appointed Konajilo “Kona” Luseni Barrasso as Managing Director of Business Services and Nyla Saleh as Executive Vice President, Executive Client Partner. The appointments expand the agency’s senior leadership capabilities across financial services, professional services, and other industries as it scales its integrated communications and marketing platform.
Barrasso brings 20 years of experience advising professional services, financial services, and other organizations. Before joining Highwire, she held senior positions at WE Communications, Burson, and Makovsky.
Her previous clients include SAP, PwC, Accenture, and Capgemini. She also worked in-house at Kearney.
At Highwire, Barrasso will lead the development of its Business Services practice, strengthening capabilities across business-to-business communications, financial services, professional services, and impact-related initiatives.
Saleh brings more than two decades of experience advising major global brands. Most recently, she served as a Brand Practice and North American retail sector leader at Weber Shandwick, where she also managed the firm’s relationship with The Home Depot.
Previously, Saleh spent eight years at Edelman leading its TJX Companies business. She began her career at Ogilvy, working in corporate and technology communications.
At Highwire, Saleh will work with major clients to coordinate strategy, creative services, media, and marketing capabilities.
The appointments follow a period of expansion at Highwire, which has more than 250 professionals across six industry-focused practices.
KEY QUOTES:
“Kona and Nyla exemplify the caliber of senior counselor that clients operating in high-stakes markets require. During their careers, they have earned the trust of leading brands, grown complex client relationships, and built strong teams capable of navigating today’s most dynamic news cycles.”
Michael O’Brien, CEO of Highwire
“Business services leaders are navigating AI disruption, geopolitical and regulatory pressure and rising client expectations all at once. Highwire has the sector depth and integrated capabilities to help not just meet the moment but evolve beyond it.”
Kona Barrasso, Managing Director of Business Services at Highwire
“Clients need a partner who can cut through the complexity of their business and today’s communications landscape, bringing the right capabilities to bear on what will drive impact.”
Nyla Saleh, EVP, Executive Client Partner at Highwire
