CUPERTINO — Apple has hired Catherine Franklin as director of communications. The move follows Franklin's December 2016 departure after two years at General Electric as director of global innovation communications. 

In her new role, Franklin leads collaborative teams to develop and execute engaging communications and integrated marketing initiatives on a global scale.

Franklin's career as a brand strategist currently spans 22 years. She advanced through several positions at Edelman New York, serving as executive vice president of consumer marketing before moving to GE.

Prior to Edelman, she spent three years at GolinHarris New York as executive director of strategy and planning before a promotion to executive director and consumer practice lead. Her early career includes six years at Porter Novelli and Stanton Crenshaw Communications. 

Apple representatives declined to comment as this story went live.