Ryan Heath has been appointed as international Senior Advisor in the UK Public Affairs team of public relations firm Edelman.
Heath will be responsible for strengthening the agency’s public affairs and media work in London, Brussels and internationally. He will use his extensive experience to provide strategic counsel, work across the Edelman’s new business and develop new speechwriting services. Furthermore, he will play a key part in managing The Centre, the firm’s European forum in Brussels.
Heath is Edelman’s latest hire as the agency expands its Public Affairs team. Over the last few weeks both Rob Newman, previously special advisor to Liz Kendall MP, and Lidia Borisova, who was a Senior Consultant at APCO, joined the company.
In his previous role, Heath was Spokesperson for European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes. He wrote widely viewed press releases and speeches, communicating the popular EU effort to end mobile roaming charges and defending digital disruptors. Prior to this, he was speechwriter to the Commission’s former president, Jose Manuel Barroso. He also worked as media advisor to a former Australian Prime Minister and six ministers at the UK Cabinet Office.
Stephanie Lvovich, Global Chair of Public Affairs commented on Ryan’s appointment: “As a business, Edelman is investing significantly in key political hubs like London to build a world-class public affairs team. We are delighted that Ryan has chosen to join the Edelman family.”
Gurpreet Brar, UK Managing Director of Public Affairs said: “These are exceptionally talented Public Affairs practitioners and we are delighted to be welcoming them to Edelman. They add further depth to our team as we continue integrating the PA offer into the wider business and offering clients an integrated service across markets.”
Heath said: “I couldn’t think of a better team and role. The UK and UK-based businesses need a good deal from the European Union. Having worked at the centre of both administrations, it will be great to offer my insights to Edelman clients navigating those waters, especially in areas like digital where the UK is strong".