Wendy’s selects Ruder Finn as North American communications agency partner

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. 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.

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.

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, a 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.