Exclusive: Harry and Meghan hire Meredith Maines to oversee communications
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have brought on Meredith Maines as their first chief communications officer, Axios exclusively reports.
Why it matters: Perhaps no couple makes more headlines or receives more public scrutiny than the Sussexes, and Maines will be tasked with managing their reputation as well as the reputation of their expanding business portfolio.
Context: As CCO, Maines will oversee communications for Prince Harry and Meghan, their brand footprint and nonprofit endeavors.
Shahed Fakhari Larson, founder of UNLMTD Partners and former CMO at Coatue, has also been hired as outside strategic communications counsel in support of their tech and business ventures.
Maines — who begins the role on March 3 — is succeeding Archewell former head of communications Ashley Hansen, who left in October to launch her own firm with the support of The Duke and Duchess.
Catch up quick: Maines joins Team Sussex from Lightspeed Venture Partners, where she served as the firm's first marketing partner, overseeing communications, brand strategy and advised Lightspeed's portfolio companies.
Before Lightspeed, Maines ran communications at Hulu and worked as a talent manager for American Idol. She started her career at Google, helping to launch its search products.
Between the lines: Maines' hire comes amid the pending launch of Meghan's new company, As Ever, and shortly after Prince Harry's main stage speech at venture capital summit, Upfront.
Zoom in: While speaking at the Upfront Summit on Thursday, the duke encouraged the business community to invest in solving systemic societal problems.
"How do we invest in our shared future to solve the challenges we face today as a divided society?... We need a dual approach: supporting philanthropic organizations while simultaneously investing in companies that are developing technological solutions to address the root causes of societal challenges," he said.
What she's saying:"I'm honored to partner with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to highlight the amazing work they are doing through Archewell, their broader business portfolio, and nonprofit work," Maines said.
"I'm excited to help them tell their story as entrepreneurs, builders and philanthropists, while overseeing all communications for the couple and their ventures."
What to watch: The duke has made several private investments in recent years, including his investment in coaching platform BetterUp, and he is reportedly eyeing ventures that support veterans, mental health and online safety.
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