MICHEL OGRIZEK RETURNS TO EDELMAN AS VICE CHAIRMAN
April 06, 2005, New York -- Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations firm, today announced the appointment of Michel Ogrizek as one of the company’s three Vice Chairmen. Mr. Ogrizek joins Edelman from the World Economic Forum, where he was Managing Board Director and Head of Communications since 2002. Mr. Ogrizek, who was President of Edelman’s European operations from 1995 to 1997, rejoins Edelman at a time when the firm is experiencing double-digit growth.
Mr. Ogrizek, who starts on May 1, will be based in New York and report directly to Richard Edelman, President and Chief Executive Officer. He assumes responsibility for Edelman’s Corporate practice and will supervise global practice leaders in Crisis & Issues Management, Employee Engagement, Financial, First&42nd, Edelman’s management consulting unit, as well as the Health practice. He also will oversee the Canadian and Latin American operations. In addition, Mr. Ogrizek will join the firm’s executive committee.
"Michel brings a unique blend of global experience, proven success in the corporate and agency worlds at the highest levels, demonstrated commitment to clients and colleagues, and established relationships within our firm," said Mr. Edelman. "His clear mandate is to build our corporate practice, which already serves global clients such as InBev, Samsung and UPS, by winning cross-border, multi-office assignments. One of his top priorities is to accelerate the creation of intellectual capital that provides corporate clients with predictability of outcome, to allow us to be strategists and counselors to the top management at leading global companies.”
“I am excited to be rejoining the only communications firm that is able to put client service above all else,” said Mr. Ogrizek. “As the world’s only global independent agency, Edelman is setting the pace for our industry in intellectual capital, such as the Edelman Trust Barometer. I’m looking forward to working with its leadership to deliver the highest standards of work to clients, and win new business that benefits the Edelman network"
About Edelman
Edelman is the world’s leading independent public relations firm with 1,800 employees in 41 offices worldwide. Advertising Age recently profiled Edelman as one of their “Best Agencies in 2004.” In 2003, The Holmes Group named Edelman “Agency of the Year,” and PRWeek voted its work for CIT “Best Campaign of the Year,” the industries most prestigious award for client programming. Edelman’s network includes four specialty firms – Blue (advertising), First&42nd (management consulting), StrategyOne (research) and BioScience Communications (medical education and publishing) – making it possible for us to offer clients a comprehensive spectrum of communications. Visit www.edelman.com for more information.
About Michel Ogrizek
Michel graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Paris in 1974, specializing in tropical medicine. Between 1982 and 1983, he completed postdoctoral studies in Medical Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was Research Associate.
Michel’s first job was Chief Medical Officer at the French Ministry of Cooperation. He was a Médecins Sans Frontières trainer and passed on his bush doctor experiences in Africa – including operating in conflict and remote zones - to young doctors about to enter the field.
In 1983, he took up the position of Medical and Public Affairs Director for the region of Africa and Canada at Warner-Lambert. From 1987 to 1991, he was Director of Healthcare, Environment, Issues and Crisis Management at the public relations firm Burson-Marsteller, before becoming President and CEO of Hill & Knowlton, France, and Head of Eurosciences from 1992 to 1994.
From 1995 to 1997, Michel was President of Edelman’s European operations. He grew the region’s revenues by 30%, and opened offices in Spain and Brussels. Michel then served as Global Head of Corporate Relations at Unilever (London and Rotterdam), and Managing Director and Global Head, Marketing and Communications at UBS Warburg.
Michel joined the World Economic Forum in 2002 as Managing Director and Head of Communications.
Michel is the author of several books, including “Environnement et Communication” (1993); “La Communication Médicale” (1996); “La Communication de Crise” (1997); “Communicating in Crisis” (1999).
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Derek Creevey 212-819-4834 917-446-5537 derek.creevey@edelman.com |