
Nikki Haley’s new position at public relations firm, Edelman could very well shake up the public relations landscape — what could it mean for conservative values?
At a Glance
- Edelman appoints Nikki Haley as Vice Chair and Max Baucus as Senior Advisor.
- Nikki Haley brings extensive political and diplomatic experience.
- Haley and Baucus are expected to navigate complexities in business, policy, and politics.
- Edelman aims to strengthen its public and government affairs expertise.
Nikki Haley Joins Edelman: New Role and Responsibilities
Public relations powerhouse Edelman has named former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, as Vice Chair of its global public affairs consultancy, EGA. Accompanying her appointment is the addition of Max Baucus, a former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to China, serving as Senior Advisor. Haley’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to boost Edelman’s expertise in global advisory capabilities.
Edelman’s CEO, Richard Edelman, stressed the importance of integrating politics into brand marketing, employee engagement, and reputation management. With her unique background of attracting foreign companies to South Carolina and tackling global issues at the UN, Haley is expected to bring valuable insights to Edelman’s clients. As Richard Edelman put it, “Politics has become a critical consideration for clients in brand marketing, employee engagement, and reputation management.”
Bringing in Heavy Hitters
Haley’s broad experience, from addressing global challenges at the UN to endorsing Donald Trump after her 2024 presidential bid, positions her to guide companies through the complex terrain of today’s political climate. Meanwhile, Baucus brings a wealth of knowledge on agricultural, trade, and tech issues, promising unmatched counsel to Edelman’s clients. As he stated, he looks forward to leveraging his policy and international affairs experience to foster Edelman’s growth.
Haley is eager to help clients navigate the challenging intersections of business and policy, stressing the need for proactive communication strategies. She emphasized, “In a time of growing complexities in business, policy, and politics — brands need to anticipate what’s coming next. Whether managing a crisis or celebrating a success, industry leaders must be ready to communicate clearly and share their vision forward.”
Nikki Haley Joins PR and Consulting Giant Edelman As Vice Chair https://t.co/cuXsI2S3Lj
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 4, 2024
What’s Ahead for Edelman
The decision to add Haley and Baucus comes as Edelman prepares for the 2024 presidential election and the challenges of corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies. These high-level hires are intended to fortify Edelman’s standing against competitors and specialists in corporate crisis management. With about 6,000 employees across 60 offices worldwide, Edelman is well-positioned, and the addition of Haley and Baucus could only strengthen this critical role.
Haley and Baucus officially begin their roles this month, timed strategically to coincide with Edelman’s internal preparations to tackle upcoming political and regulatory shifts. Amidst mounting global uncertainties, these seasoned professionals’ expertise is expected to be pivotal.