Richard Harrington, a former UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Minister, pensions Minister and Minister for refugees expands his role at APCO Worldwide and will serve as UK Chairman.
“Richard’s appointment as non-executive chairman comes at a critical time for the UK as it reestablishes global trading relationships and prepares to host COP26 and the G7 gathering. His in-depth knowledge of industry and Government make him an extremely valuable resource for our clients as they navigate post-Brexit Britain and I look forward to continuing to work with him.” Roi Feder, interim managing director of APCO Worldwide in the UK added, “at a time of global change the London office has been growing its strategic capabilities in healthcare, tech and sustainability and strengthening its geopolitical practice. Richard will continue to add to that growth and his extensive experience brings unique commercial insight and makes him a natural fit for APCO’s global corporate advisory and UK advocacy offer.”
During his tenure as the business minister from 2017 until 2019, Harrington was responsible for the UK’s Industrial Strategy, which included the automotive, automobile, life sciences, creative industries, chemical, hospitality and professional service sectors. He served as a member of Parliament for Watford, from 2010 until 2019. Harrington also previously served on the International Development Select Committee and was Prime Minister David Cameron’s apprenticeship adviser. In addition to his roles in Government, Harrington held various executive positions in business for over 30 years, including in the real estate, hotel, leisure and wealth management sectors.
“After working closely with APCO in 2020, I have been really impressed by the skills and creativity of the team and their ability to find solutions for clients in challenging situations. They provide unique value at a time when the UK repositions itself on the global stage and I look forward to being part of that solution for clients,” says Harrington.
For more than 35 years, APCO has been a trusted advisor and partner to private, public and nonprofit clients as they try to identify and manage new and emerging issues, challenges and opportunities around the world. Established by Margery Kraus as a single-person operation in 1984, APCO has grown to a global advisory and advocacy communications consultancy with offices in more than 30 markets and experience working in more than 80 markets globally, providing in-depth advice, perceptive guidance and creative approaches for its clients.