Kekst CNC Enters New Era with AI-Focused Co-CEO Lyndsey Estin

NEW YORK, NY – March 30, 2026 – Strategic communications powerhouse Kekst CNC today announced a significant leadership transition, appointing two-decade veteran Lyndsey Estin as its new Co-Chief Executive Officer. The move signals a deliberate strategic focus on the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity communications, positioning the firm to guide clients through an increasingly complex technological landscape.

Estin will helm the firm's U.S. operations from New York, succeeding Jeremy Fielding, who is departing for a senior in-house role at a major public company after 27 years with the consultancy. She will work in tandem with London-based Co-CEO Richard Campbell, who continues to lead all non-U.S. operations, maintaining the firm's dual-leadership structure.

A New Guard for a New Era

Estin's appointment is a clear endorsement of her pioneering work within the firm. Having held a range of senior management roles, she has been instrumental in expanding Kekst CNC’s counsel into cutting-edge areas of risk and reputation management. Most notably, she founded and leads the firm's U.S. cybersecurity practice and plays a pivotal role in its AI communications advisory work.

Her expertise is not just theoretical; it was forged advising organizations through some of the most challenging cyber incidents, including nation-state attacks, critical infrastructure disruptions, and aggressive ransomware campaigns. This deep specialization in high-stakes technological crises has made her a sought-after advisor for CEOs and boards navigating the intersection of technology, risk, and public perception.

Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO of Kekst CNC’s parent company Publicis Groupe, lauded Estin's forward-thinking approach. "Beyond her decades of experience across financial communications, M&A, and crisis counsel, Lyndsey has established herself as a trusted advisor and leader at the forefront of AI and cybersecurity," Sadoun said in a statement. "She has been early in recognizing how emerging technologies reshape risk, reputation, and communications, guiding industry leaders as they define their narratives amid rapid internal and external transformation. I know that alongside Richard she will lead the teams to new heights."

In her own statement, Estin acknowledged the evolving challenges facing clients. "Today, that also means partnering with them through a period of heightened global change driven by technological advancements and other emerging risks and opportunities," she commented. "I look forward to working with our global team to continue delivering the highest level of insights and tailored counsel for our clients."

Navigating the High-Stakes World of Tech and Crisis

The elevation of a leader with deep expertise in AI and cybersecurity is a strategic masterstroke in the current business climate. The communications industry is rapidly evolving from a reactive discipline to a proactive, strategic function, a shift most pronounced in the tech sector. Organizations are no longer just asking for help after a data breach; they are seeking long-term strategic counsel to build digital trust and resilience.

Cybersecurity communications has become a critical specialty, demanding a nuanced understanding of complex technical threats and the ability to translate them into clear, credible messaging for stakeholders, regulators, and the public. The industry has seen a marked shift toward building crisis preparedness and showcasing a proactive commitment to digital safety, moving beyond fear-based messaging to one of responsibility and competence.

Simultaneously, the proliferation of artificial intelligence is transforming the public relations field itself. AI tools are automating media monitoring, powering sentiment analysis, and even assisting in content creation. For a consultancy like Kekst CNC, having a leader who is fluent in the language and implications of AI is crucial not only for advising clients on their own AI strategies but also for integrating these technologies into the firm's advisory work. Estin's role in collaborating with Publicis Groupe on AI communications highlights this dual focus.

Strengthening the 'Power of One'

Estin’s appointment also reinforces Kekst CNC’s integral role within the broader Publicis Groupe. The parent company operates under a “Power of One” model, an integrated strategy designed to provide clients with seamless access to its vast network of creative, media, data, and technology expertise. This model breaks down traditional agency silos to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Kekst CNC’s high-level strategic counsel in areas like M&A, shareholder activism, and crisis management is a premium component of this offering. Estin's specialization in AI and cybersecurity adds a critical layer of modern advisory that complements Publicis Groupe’s significant investments in data and digital transformation, such as its acquisitions of Epsilon and Sapient. Her ability to advise on technological risk and reputation provides a crucial link between the C-suite-level strategic communications offered by Kekst CNC and the marketing and digital business transformation services offered elsewhere in the Groupe.

This synergy allows Publicis to offer a holistic solution where a client's brand communications, marketing strategy, and corporate reputation management are all aligned, particularly when navigating the opportunities and pitfalls of new technologies.

A Legacy of Leadership and Enduring Values

The transition also marks the end of an era with the departure of Jeremy Fielding. During his 27 years at the firm, including a decade as Co-CEO, Fielding was instrumental in guiding Kekst CNC's evolution from its founder generation into an enduring global institution. The firm has consistently maintained a top-tier position in the competitive M&A advisory market under his leadership, frequently ranking among the top global providers in league tables from outlets like Mergermarket.

Estin, who worked alongside Fielding for years, paid tribute to his contributions. "I thank Jeremy for his effective leadership as Co-CEO over the past decade and as a member of the Kekst CNC team for 27 years," she said. "He led our successful transition from founder generation to an enduring institution and created significant momentum for future growth."

Fielding, in turn, expressed his confidence in his successor. "Lyndsey has for years provided clients with superior judgment and a unique ability to anticipate what lies ahead," he commented. "I know that Lyndsey and the Kekst CNC team will continue to be a pioneering force in strategic and financial communications."

This seamless internal succession, promoting a veteran who embodies the firm's culture while also pushing its strategic boundaries, ensures continuity of the firm's core values. As Kekst CNC moves forward, it does so from a position of established strength, now equipped with leadership uniquely prepared for the defining technological challenges of the next decade.