#USA #New York #Coca-Cola #The Next Solutions Group #Michelle Agnew

Michelle Agnew Joins The Next Solutions Group

In a significant development for the reputation management industry, The Next Solutions Group (NSG) has announced the appointment of Michelle Agnew as its new Vice President of Reputation and Issues Management. This positions Agnew at the forefront of managing critical communication strategies for NSG's diverse client base worldwide.

Agnew, a veteran with extensive experience from major corporate players including The Coca-Cola Company, Amazon, and Southwest Airlines, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Prior to joining NSG, Agnew served as the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Coca-Cola, where she was responsible for overseeing crisis management and corporate reputation within the North America Operating Unit.

Her career trajectory began at Southwest Airlines, where she dedicated 13 years, evolving from an intern to a managerial position. Her focus at Southwest was on enhancing brand reputation and ensuring external visibility. Following this, she transitioned to Amazon as Senior Manager, where she led issues management for the Last Mile Delivery Service Program, navigating complex challenges in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.

In 2023, Agnew took a pivotal role at Coca-Cola as Director of Issues Communications, where she quickly progressed to a position that involved policy communications and corporate affairs, supporting senior leadership and the Coca-Cola System in safeguarding and enhancing the company’s reputation.

Raymond F. Kerins Jr., CEO of NSG, expressed enthusiasm over Agnew's addition to the team, stating, “Her knowledge and expertise will make her a tremendous addition to our strong team.” Kerins noted that Agnew’s appointment comes at a crucial time as businesses increasingly look to manage their reputations proactively in a volatile environment.

In her new capacity, Agnew will work alongside the NSG team to support clients globally and report directly to Justin Blum, Managing Director of Content & Issues Management. Blum highlighted, “With over 15 years in leading global crisis response, media relations and reputation communications for three Fortune 500 companies, she will greatly enhance our capacity to support clients in navigating the complex reputation landscape.”

A Central Michigan University alumni with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Communications from Purdue University, Agnew has consistently demonstrated her ability to guide leadership through critical moments in corporate crisis management. She remarked, “Reputation isn't built during a crisis, but is revealed by how organizations prepare, lead, and communicate when the stakes are high.”

With a mission to protect and advance its clients’ reputations, NSG operates with a unique approach known as the NSG Reputation Management Triangle™ which encompasses Business Intelligence, Strategic Communications, and Crisis/Issues Management. Agnew's rich background aligns perfectly with this framework, ensuring clients can navigate challenges effectively and thrive in their respective industries.

About The Next Solutions Group (NSG)

Founded with the objective of advancing corporate reputations, The Next Solutions Group prides itself on being an award-winning consultancy led by experts with extensive backgrounds in media and corporate affairs. The firm's seasoned professionals come from illustrious backgrounds, including senior roles at major media outlets and corporations. NSG’s proactive strategies are designed to empower clients with actionable solutions to mitigate risks and enhance their reputational standing, positioning them favorably in the eyes of stakeholders and the public alike.