Richard Edelman

Richard Edelman, born on June 15, 1954, into the family of Daniel Edelman, the founder of the renowned public relations company Edelman, has played a significant role in leading the firm. He received his education at Phillips Exeter Academy.

In 1986, Richard married Rosalind Anne Walrath, and they have three daughters: Margot, Tory, and Amanda. His marriage to Rosalind, who was a vice president at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, ended in divorce in 2015. In 2017, Richard Edelman married Claudia Romo González, a Mexican diplomat with two children from her previous marriage, Joshua and Tamara.

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Edelman, Richard has been a key figure in steering the company's success. His leadership has contributed to Edelman being the largest private, family-run public relations firm globally. Notably, both of Richard's siblings, John and Renee, are also executives at Edelman, further solidifying its status as a family-led enterprise.

In addition to his professional achievements, Richard Edelman faced a health challenge when diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008. However, he successfully underwent surgery and continued his leadership role at Edelman.

Richard's commitment to family and the continuation of the Edelman legacy is evident, as his daughters, Margot and Tory, are also involved in the family business. Under Richard Edelman's leadership, Edelman has maintained its prominence as a global leader in public relations.

Richard Edelman, the Chief Executive Officer of Edelman and Chairman of Daniel J. Edelman Holdings, has steered the company to global acclaim. Founded by his father in 1952, Edelman remains an independent, family-owned entity with a vast footprint, employing over 6,000 individuals across 66 offices in 28 countries. Under Richard's leadership since 1996, the firm has not only expanded its services into Digital, Creative, Performance Marketing, and Advisory but has also become the largest communications firm globally, exceeding $1 billion in revenue. Simultaneously, Daniel J. Edelman Holdings has seen a revenue surge of 14 times during the same period.

Beyond corporate success, Richard's influence extends into advisory roles for major corporations and impactful contributions during significant disruptions. He is the creator of the renowned Edelman Trust Barometer, now in its 23rd year, providing invaluable insights on trust in business, government, media, and NGOs. Recognized by the industry, Richard was inducted into the American Advertising Hall of Fame in 2022, the first PR executive to receive this honor.

Active on the boards of influential organizations, Richard's commitment to societal impact is evident. He serves on the boards of the Ad Council, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), the Atlantic Council, Project HOOD, P33, the Gettysburg Foundation, and the 9/11 Museum, showcasing his dedication to philanthropy. A family man, Richard resides in New York City with his wife Claudia and three daughters, Margot, Tory, and Amanda. His influence extends beyond the boardrooms into realms of thought leadership, academia, and philanthropy, making him a central figure in contemporary public relations and communications.

Richard Edelman's vision for Edelman is marked by a commitment to independence and integrity, ensuring the firm's autonomy in an industry prone to consolidation. His leadership has propelled Edelman to global prominence, fostering expansion and influence on the international stage. The seamless transition from president to CEO reflects a vision of leadership continuity and long-term success, maintaining the family legacy. Actively participating in global events like the World Economic Forum showcases a commitment to thought leadership and staying informed on major economic and societal issues. Richard's emphasis on understanding public trust, as demonstrated through surveys, highlights a vision for Edelman as a thought leader shaping the discourse in the dynamic field of public relations.