London, 27th September – Edelman, today announced that it was launching a new Reputation and Risk Advisory offer led by Managing Director James Lundie, who previously jointly led Edelman’s Public Affairs practice.
In this newly created role James will build on the executive level advisory work Edelman already undertakes in the UK. The new offer will focus on advising c-suite executives and business leaders on issues relating to corporate reputation and positioning, as well as identifying and managing emerging risks to their businesses. Edelman advises some of the world’s most senior business leaders on all aspects of corporate communications and this aims to further develop our offer in this space.
James Lundie said: “The growing impact of corporate reputation on share price and investor sentiment has been marked over recent years. Financial performance has long ceased to be the only driver of perception of the success of a business. The need for businesses to predict and manage risk is now greater than ever. I am extremely excited to have been asked to lead the Reputation and Risk Advisory business here in London.”
Ed Williams, UK CEO of Edelman, and former Group Director of Communications at the BBC commented: “Business leaders face pressure across multiple fronts in ways they never did before. How they identify and respond to emerging issues, the choices they make and how they lead, have a direct impact on their personal reputation and the reputation of their businesses. This new practice area, led by one of our most senior client counselors, aims to help navigate this complex landscape and help business leaders put in place effective strategies to protect and build their reputation. As we develop this business, we are expecting to make some senior hires in this space over the coming year.”
James Lundie has been the Joint Managing Director of Edelman’s PA division for over two years, having been at Edelman since 2003. Prior to joining the company he was Deputy Press Secretary to the then Liberal Democrat Leader, Charles Kennedy and had previously been speechwriter to his predecessor, Paddy Ashdown.
Edelman’s award-winning UK public affairs practice will be led by Chris Rumfitt, who has worked alongside James Lundie as joint Managing Director for the past two years. Prior to joining Edelman, Rumfitt was Head of Communications at Network Rail and served under Press Secretary Alastair Campbell in Tony Blair’s Downing Street.