Powerhouse public relations firm 42West, a subsidiary of Dolphin Entertainment, is expanding its leadership team by promoting from within and hiring a new Vice President.
Jeffrey R. Epstein will join 42West’s Strategic Communications Division as Vice President. The company is also promoting Jonah Keel from Senior Vice President to Executive Vice President and Michael Rizzo from Account Director to Vice President. The hiring reflects 42West’s growth and commitment to strengthening its leadership team.
“Given today’s rapidly evolving media environment and the ongoing business opportunities and challenges, finely honed strategic communications expertise is essential for positioning clients for long-term growth and success. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jeffrey, a proven innovator and singular talent, into the 42West fold,” says Susie Arons, 42West’s Strategic Communications Division President. “His command of the macro and micro issues facing the broad entertainment, media, and financial industries is a tremendous boon for our team, our company, and our treasured roster of clients.”
Epstein has previously been a Google consultant and The Vice President of Corporate Communications at Disney. He brings deep experience in public relations, strategic communications, media relations, and industry knowledge to the role.
In his new role, Epstein will leverage his deep public relations and strategic communications expertise to develop and execute innovative PR strategies for 42West’s diverse roster of clients. He will work across a broad portfolio of industry sectors at the intersection of entertainment, technology, business, finance, and social impact, providing crisis communications, reputation management, and corporate messaging support. Epstein will work out of the Los Angeles office.
Keel has a 25-year career in the entertainment industry and has delivered successful campaigns across film, television, gaming, and consumer products. He will lead high-impact strategies for 42West’s premier clients. Before joining 42West, Keel served at agencies BHI, Team Click, and THA/Allied. He also worked in Disney’s creative marketing assets division.
Rizzo has worked in the Fandoms & Franchises division for six years. He joined 42West as an Account Executive and has worked on campaigns for Mattel, Netflix, and Funko while working on accounts such as Apple TV+, Archie Comics, GKIDS, Lionsgate, Super7, and Toho.
“Jonah and Michael have been instrumental in driving the success of our division, and their well-deserved promotions are a testament to exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and their commitment to our clients,” says Shawna Lynch, President of Fandoms & Franchises at 42West. “With their deep understanding of the industry and passion for innovation, we look forward to seeing them continue to excel in their new roles as they help shape the future of our department.”
For more information about 42West, visit www.42west.com.
