Kari Vierimaa
Owner
Kari Vierimaa is a seasoned communicator and crisis management expert who thrives under pressure.
With over a decade experience choosing the stories Canadians watched, listened, and read at CBC, CTV, CP24, and Global, Kari has a unique understanding of the ‘news cycle’ and the evolving media ecosystem at a time where it’s never been harder to break through the ‘noise’.
As the Founder of Vierimaa Consulting, Kari is dedicated to helping clients navigate crises, enhance their media presence, and strategically communicate their messages to stakeholders.
Kari also worked for Ontario former Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci where he shaped his pre-election communication strategy and served as campaign co-chair in 2011.
Kari is committed to thought leadership and contributes insights on national and international news on both CTV and CBC.
Areas of Expertise:
Kari specializes in earned media campaigns that meet the intersection of public policy and change, as well developing tailored crisis management strategies that prioritize proactive planning, effective response tactics, and stakeholder engagement.
He has successfully managed numerous high-profile crises, guiding clients through reputation-sensitive situations with integrity and resilience.
In addition to crisis management, Kari is a recognized expert in media relations and strategic communications. He has helped clients craft compelling narratives, engage with media influencers, and optimize their media presence to achieve strategic objectives.
Examples:
Kari has developed and executed earned media campaigns that have established clients as key figures such as: World Animal Protection’s ongoing Marineland campaign, NGOs ongoing campaign raising awareness over RBC’s Indigenous rights and climate record, Deloitte’s Retirement report, and more.
Crisis and issues management clients have been from a variety of sectors including: education, policing, municipalities, science and technology, religious institutions and more.
He has also managed large projects such as the Thunder Bay Police Service Board’s Independent Expert Panel, CBC’s initial coverage of COVID-19’s arrival in Canada, mass shooting in Nova Scotia, death and fallout of George Floyd, Toronto-Danforth shooting, Vigil for Toronto after the van attack, Global’s Canada’s 150th network special, as well as CTV News Northern Ontario’s brand refresh, and first ever digital strategy.
Education:
Kari Vierimaa holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Urban, Social and Economic Geography from the University of Toronto (St. Michael’s College).
Vierimaa Consulting 