Atlantic Council

Biography

Mr. Richard Edelman

Richard Edelman is the president and CEO of the world’s largest independent public relations firm, with over 2,000 employees in 44 offices worldwide.  Edelman, named “Large Agency of the Year 2006” and "Editors Choice for 2005" by PRWeek and the “Best Agency in 2005” by Ad Age, has been a leader in public relations since it was founded in 1952.  Richard’s blog, 6 A.M., which launched in September 2004, receives more than 2,000 visitors a day. Mr. Edelman was named president and CEO in September 1996. Prior to that, he served as president of Edelman’s U.S. operations, regional manager of Europe, and manager of the firm’s New York office.

Richard has extensive experience in marketing and reputation management, with current assignments for Schering-Plough, Swiss Re, and Gap.  He has particular interest in the technology and media areas, with assignments for Bertelsmann and Viacom.  He worked on the “deal of the year” in 1994, the merger of Viacom, Blockbuster and Paramount, and assisted Deutsche Bank on its 1999 acquisition of Bankers Trust.  He has counseled several countries on economic development programs, including Egypt, Israel, and Mexico.

Richard has also counseled with the chairman of Credit Suisse, Walter Kielholz, and managed the CEO transition at Credit Suisse First Boston as well as the acquisition of Bankers Trust by Deutsche Bank.  Richard has worked extensively on issues for major hedge funds such as Perry Capital, Fortress Capital, and Apollo.

Richard has a special understanding of the non-governmental organization (NGO) movement.  He has spoken on this topic at several conferences, including AccountAbility: The Institute of Social & Ethical Accountability, the Conference Board, and the World Economic Forum.  Edelman’s research on NGOs has been cited by several publications, including the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal.

Richard won the Silver Anvil, the highest award in the public relations industry, in 1981.  He was named ‘Best Manager of the Year’ by Inside PR magazine in 1995. In 2006, he was awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 – NY Metropolitan Area” by Ernst & Young. He serves on the board of directors of the New York Historical Society and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  He is also a member of the World Economic Forum, the Arthur Page Society, PR Seminar, the International Council of the Field Museum, and the World Corporate Ethics’ Council.  He has worked on several political campaigns, including “Jim Thompson for Governor” and “Ed Koch for Mayor.”

Richard was graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1972.  He earned his BA from Harvard College in 1976 and his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1978.