Mark Sutherland Joins @GoElastic as CCO

In an effort to drive diversity and “class up the joint,” St. Louis-based digital marketing and public relations firm Elasticity hired the delicately accented 20-year communication veteran Mark Sutherland as chief communications officer. This is Elasticity’s first hiring of anyone who has ever been led by a king or queen, and a direct result of the company’s significant growth over the past year.

Sutherland rode in on a horse in Scottish regalia

“We were a bit weary about the language barrier with Mark but nonetheless are excited to have someone with his impressive experience,” said Anglophile Elasticity Partner Aaron Perlut. “He’s been warned, however, not to class up the joint too much.”

Having most recently led corporate social media efforts at Monsanto, Sutherland’s deep experience in media, non-profit, healthcare and corporate communications is expected to further expand Elasticity’s international communications expertise.

“Mark really impressed us when he arrived for his second interview on horseback with half of his face painted blue,” remarked Elasticity Partner Andy Barnett during a recent high tea. “Clearly, his energy and experience as a stunt double in ‘Braveheart’ will help rally the Elasticity team in a way that none of the other heavy accented applicants could.”