Edelmen has recruited an executive vice president and group head of public affairs.
Brian Ellner will lead Edelman’s 35-strong New York public affairs group, reporting to Ron Guirguis, managing director of Edelman New York’s corporate and public affairs practice.
Ellner was the senior strategist for the Human Rights Campaign’s successful effort to win marriage equality in New York in 2011. Prior to that, he was a senior aide in the administration of Mayor Bloomberg, and has been a litigation associate at Paul Weiss and a litigation counsel at O’Melveny & Myers.
“Brian is an exciting addition to our team in New York and further demonstrates the firm’s commitment to investing in and growing the public affairs practice,” said Guirguis.
“He’s a proven leader who has successfully managed major public affairs campaigns in the city, the state and nationally.”
Ellner said he was thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time for New York.
“Edelman has set the gold standard for independence, creativity and digital innovation and I’m looking forward to being a part of an exceptionally talented and well-connected global public affairs team to help our clients navigate my hometown”, he added.
Edelman New York’s corporate and public affairs practice is home to more than 170 professionals in public affairs, corporate communications, social purpose, employee engagement, technology and management consulting.