Edelman acquires Landmark Public Affairs with offices in SG

Global PR firm Edelman Global Advisory (EGA) will be expanding its capabilities and geographic reach through the acquisition of Landmark Public Affairs (Landmark), a leading global public affairs and strategic communications agency with offices in Singapore, London, Brussels and New York City. 

With the acquisition, EGA will expand its international operations by combining its government affairs and business advisory services with Landmark’s deep policy expertise and professional client advisory services in order to keep EGA ahead of the demands of the fast-growing and ever-changing geopolitical environment.

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“EGA’s outstanding growth over the last year is proof that the intersection between business and societal and geopolitical issues has become far more frequent across the globe,” said Richard Edelman, the chief executive officer of Edelman. “Our clients are seeking counsel on how to navigate this complex environment. The acquisition of Landmark deepens our regulatory, policy and advisory capabilities in Europe and Asia.”

“The addition of Landmark builds on the strengths of our capable teams in Europe, the United States and Asia and positions EGA well to provide additional services to our clients. This acquisition supports our goal to be one of the most respected consulting firms in the world,” added Deborah Lehr, the chief executive officer and managing partner of EGA.

As part of the acquisition, Richard Andrew, Landmark’s managing director for Asia, will serve as EGA's co-chair of Asia Pacific. Andrew, who is based in Singapore, leads a team that serves multinational clients across diverse issues and sectors in Asia.

He has also worked at Asia’s intersection of business, government, and civil society for over 20 years. For the past 10 years, he has focused on climate change, sustainability and the circular economy in APAC. He will work alongside EGA’s Gracie Sun, who will serve as Co-Chair, Asia Pacific, and EGA’s Ian McCabe, who will serve as executive chair for the Asia region. 

Additionally, Rocco Renaldi, Landmark’s founding partner and managing director, will serve as chair of EGA Europe as well as global chair of food & beverage policy. Renaldi brings with him 25 years of experience working with corporate, trade association, public sector, and not-for-profit clients in many fields. He will be supported by EGA’s Feargal Purcell and Landmark’s David Bates, who will serve as co-vice chairmen, EGA Europe, and Amaia Betelu, who will serve as acting president of EGA Brussels.  

Jackie Smith, a partner at Landmark, will also join EGA as a senior advisor, supporting Renaldi in strengthening EGA’s food & beverage policy vertical. Smith has over 35 years of experience in strategic counsel on public policy and regulation.

Finally, Julien Lafleur, the managing director of North America at Landmark, will serve as managing director of EGA New York, where he and his team will spearhead the expansion of EGA’s Global Stakeholder Engagement. Lafleur has over a decade of experience advising and supporting clients in the health, food and beverage, consumer goods, and tech sectors, among others. 

The news comes shortly after Edelman’s global chair of technology sector, Sanjay Nair, revealed that he will be departing the firm after 19 years to go on a career break. 

Nair said on his LinkedIn post that he is proud to have been the first Asian to hold a global chair role within the firm, "I have treasured the opportunity to build trust for leading brands, both locally and globally - consulting on corporate reputation, brand, and product marketing. I have also valued the chance to embrace different cultures and work with some of the brightest minds in the industry,” he added. 

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