SAN FRANCISCO — Edelman has concluded its lengthy search for a global technology chair, hiring former Apple communications chief Natalie Kerris to take on a role that had lain vacant for almost a year.

Kerris takes charge of a pivotal practice that numbers more than 700 executives across the globe, reporting to global sectors head Kym White. 

At Edelman, she succeeds Maria Amundson, who departed the firm in April 2016. She becomes Edelman's fourth tech lead in five years. Pete Pedersen left the role in 2013, then Joe Paluska held the position for a short stint, followed by Amundson’s tenure.

Kerris spent 14 years at Apple, rising to the role of senior director of worldwide corporate communications. After leaving Apple, she spent six months as Twitter's VP of communications.

“Nat has been at the forefront of some of technology’s greatest revolutions in the past two decades,” said Richard Edelman, president and CEO of Edelman. “We’re excited to have her join our team and offer her talents to Edelman technology clients worldwide. Nat will be providing strategic counsel to some of our largest global technology clients while growing our technology practice in rapidly emerging markets such as AI, VR, fintech, social media and the sharing economy.”