NEW YORK — Ruder Finn chief global strategist Louise Harris has left the firm after 16 years, to launch a consultancy that is currently working for Orbis International.

Harris, who became chief global strategist at Ruder Finn's New York office in 2006, previously led the firm's Asia-Pacific operations. In her most recent role, she worked across the agency's global network and also headed up its issues and crisis group,

A Ruder Finn spokesperson confirmed that her role would not be replaced.

"I have left Ruder Finn to set up a new consulting business," said Harris. "As part of this I've taken on an interesting and important communications consulting role with Orbis International, the non-profit organization that does incredible work around the world to prevent and treat avoidable blindness."

Prior to joining Ruder Finn in 2000, Harris spent 16 years with Burson-Marsteller, initally in London before moving to Singapore.