Overview of Edelman
Edelman is an American public relations and marketing consultancy firm, founded in 1952 by Daniel J. Edelman as Daniel J. Edelman and Associates. The company started with three employees and grew to serve 25 accounts by 1960. Edelman takes a unique and highly focused approach to the services offered to clients, from finding celebrity partners for influencer programs, to creating advanced advertising campaigns and in-person events. Besides advising clients, Casamento works closely with Edelman senior adviser Martin Whittaker, CEO of Just Capital, and Deanna Tallon, managing director of sustainability, on steps Edelman will take to hit its goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In 2021, the health practice’s revenue grew by 10% year-over-year, and its clients include AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
Edelman: The World’s Largest PR Firm
Edelman is unquestionably the world’s largest PR firm. With over 1,000 employees in over 50 countries, the firm has a wealth of experience and resources to draw on when crafting a PR campaign. Edelman reported a revenue increase in 2021, making it the first $1 billion PR agency, fulfilling the title of giant in the PR world. Edelman’s commitment in allowing employees and clients to have the “freedom to be constantly curious” is undoubtedly true.
Controversy Surrounding Edelman PR
Edelman has provided services for the fossil fuel industry. This resulted in a major controversy when documents leaked to Greenpeace revealed that Edelman had made some unethical proposals to sway public opinion in favor of its client. Edelman’s relationship with oil companies was at the center of the article. Edelman PR Worldwide found itself in controversy with the Microsoft v. Department of Justice case. The revelation of Edelman’s TransCanada strategy and other leaks cast shadows over the oil industry PR. Public relations giant Edelman and Standard Bank Group are ending their relationship due to a controversial oil project, welcomed as a win for activism pressuring PR firms to break up with polluters.