As the Managing Director at Vested, I lead the charge in crafting integrated communication strategies tailored for the financial services industry. My strategic approach focuses on aligning communication initiatives with core business objectives, driving revenue growth, enhancing brand visibility, and strengthening corporate reputations. My expertise spans a broad spectrum of clients, including asset managers and financial infrastructures, where I deliver solutions that effectively resonate within today's ever-evolving financial landscape.I also serve as CEO of Vested Ventures. My role involves leading negotiations on venture investments, acquisitions, and exits, where I secure favorable terms that enhance value across Group Vested. I also oversee the due diligence process for potential investments, working closely with finance, the investment committee, and technical teams to ensure each investment aligns with our strategic objectives. Under my leadership, Vested Ventures has built a dynamic portfolio of startups, particularly in the financial technology sector, which has significantly bolstered Group Vested’s market position. My tenure at Vested is marked by significant accomplishments. I am honored to have been recognized as the Media Relations Professional of the Year and the Public Relations Professional of the Year in the 2021 Bulldog Awards. These accolades reflect my commitment to excellence in leading crisis communications for major U.S. market infrastructures, private banks, and broker-dealers. Additionally, my role extends beyond the office as a sought-after public speaker, sharing insights and expertise at prestigious industry events such as Money 20/20 and Finovate. This blend of strategic leadership and industry recognition underscores my dedication to elevating the narrative in financial communications.

What is it you’d say you do here? First and foremost, I have fun. I nerd out about the financial markets and I surround myself with people that do the same. I ignite the creative fire of my colleagues as we build new and different ways of communicating for finance. This could be infographics, blog posts, interviews with the media driving the conversation or podcasts – we go where the idea takes us. Then we execute our vision. We partner with asset managers, commercial banks and technology companies to tell creative stories to the financial world. We develop storytellers at these companies by letting them show the media their passion for their work. Once the introductions are made, we nurture conversations by providing the reporters the facts, figures and amusing anecdotes that bring these stories to life. I’m an active part of the financial social media. I tweet, ‘gram and post on LinkedIn news, photos, 1990s hip-hop lyrics and random factoids to a community of financial geeks that love the markets as much as I do. Follow me @erichazard to see it in action. And I look for new ways to tell interesting stories. I'm partnering with BrightTALK studios to produce the video series Focus on Fintech, where I go through a voyage of discovery exploring the developments changing the way technology and finance interact. It's cool, scope it here: bit.ly/2fVGClE Despite all of this, my mom still doesn’t know what I do for a living. But that’s o.k. because she knows I’m eating well and I’m happy, and that’s all that really matters.

Manage account executives’ press outreach and monitoring efforts for clients in financial technology, asset management and securities clearing. This includes developing global messaging statements and directing media relations campaigns. As necessary, spokespeople are media trained on proper techniques to deliver key messages and stay on topic. Write and edit corporate press releases and by-lined articles for financial services clients. Authored articles cover topics in trade execution, 401(k) plan design and stock plan administration. Lead Americas-centric crisis communications team, training first responders, drafting media response messages and preparing detailed procedures in the event of a crisis.Curate social media content, including Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and corporate blogs, to increase brand visibility and drive website traffic.Media train spokespeople for print and broadcast opportunities.

Manage process of providing copy for the regular distribution of Global Custodian's print edition, Web site and a special hedge fund’s buyers guide. Hire freelance writers and co-ordinate with independent data vendors to deliver magazine and online content in a time-sensitive manner. Conduct global capital market intelligence excursions, meeting with executives at local stock exchanges, securities depositories, central banks, economic ministries, regulatory institutions and financial services firms. In turn, deliver comprehensive research reports discussing relevant trends and offering recommendations to bolster capital market structures. Specific profiles include Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.Provide regular editorial copy for prime brokerage, securities financing, custody, hedge fund administration, mutual fund administration and derivatives magazine sections

Provided content for daily NewsDash email for dissemination to 35,000 subscribers. Prepared articles for PLANSPONSOR magazine on retirement plan design and administration.Tracked daily subscriber click-thru activity utilizing DoubleClick’s DartMail interface. Cultivated plan sponsor contacts for background and resource information.

Calculated annual bonus awards based on Fiscal Year financial results.Presented market research data to executive committee members for salary adjustment recommendations.Designed total compensation packages utilizing current market pricing techniques.Analyzed and forecast annual merit budget increases.

Maintained stock option database using Express Options for Windows.Drafted 10(b)5-1 documentation to assist Section 16(b) associates in stock portfolio transactions.Tabulated monthly Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Dividend Reinvestment Plan investments.Reviewed 401(k) and Deferred Compensation Plans on a quarterly basis per fiduciary requirement.

Where the career journey began and with it a love for the financial markets. It was a job that found me, as I sought out the elusive first job to launch a career and along the way obtained a Series 7, sales training and enough spunk to pick up the phone and find another client in need of financial advice. I built a portfolio of client assets I managed for long-term financial objectives, using the collective knowledge of the branch office management and the research of Morgan Stanley. When it came time to explore other career option, the experience gave me the foundation I need to propel myself forward into finance and the sales training that I have used everyday of my life since.