No10 Media Chief Joins Ogilvy PR

Former Brown Spokesperson To Lead New Strategic Media Practice

LONDON, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR) today announced that Iain Bundred, former political spokesperson to Gordon Brown, has joined its London office as Director of Strategic Media Relations.  Prior to joining 10 Dowling Street, Iain previously worked for the Labour Party, as special advisor to James Purnell when Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and more recently as a government consultant in the Middle East.

As director of strategic media relations, Iain will oversee all areas of integrated media solutions, including crisis media relations, political communications and reputational management. He will be reporting to Ogilvy PR head of office Ross Cathcart.

"With his experience at the highest level of government, Iain has a tremendous understanding of the importance of communications in shaping policy and reputation," said Jamie Moeller, Managing Director of Ogilvy PR's Global Public Affairs Practice.  "Iain will be a great asset for our clients across Europe and globally who look to our London office to provide them with counsel and communications support addressing a broad range of issues, and we are thrilled to have him on board."

Iain was at the former PM's side from 2009 up to the General Election and, as his chief spokesperson, led briefing on the coalition government negotiations one year ago. His time in Government saw him working with Brown at keynote events including the Copenhagen Climate Change conference, field visits to Afghanistan and daily election campaign strategy meetings with Peter Mandelson.  

On his appointment to Ogilvy PR, Iain said, "I am excited to be joining a bright team with an even brighter future. I believe Ogilvy PR has a unique place in the modern PR marketplace, offering clients access to a global network across marketing and communications. As the world of PR moves away from traditional silos and towards offering 360 degree brand reputation strategies, Ogilvy PR is able to give clients an integrated service that other PR firms couldn't dream of and I am looking forward to being part of the firm's worldwide growth strategy."

Commenting on this major coup for Ogilvy PR/London, head of office Ross Cathcart said, "Ogilvy PR London is growing across the board. There is a lot of buzz around our cutting edge Digital Influence offering, but we are equally investing across our core practice areas. Iain will play a vital part in helping all our clients get their message right to enhance brand reputation."

"Iain brings a wealth of expertise to a rapidly growing London office. As the right hand man to Gordon Brown during the last election, there is nothing Iain doesn't know about media and managing a crisis. We are delighted he has joined us to offer the very best service to all our clients."

Iain will be leading on a number of new clients working closely with Managing Director of Global Corporate Practice Stuart Smith, recently appointed from Hill & Knowlton.

Notes to editors

1. ABOUT OGILVY PUBLIC RELATIONS WORLDWIDE

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR) is a global, multi-disciplinary communications leader operating in more than 80 markets. Named Large Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report and PRNews, Ogilvy PR blends proven PR methodologies with cutting edge digital innovations to craft strategic programs that give clients winning and measurable results. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in business, Ogilvy PR provides strategic public relations counsel to a variety of clients across its social marketing, public affairs, healthcare, consumer marketing, 360 Degree Digital Influence, corporate, and technology practices. Ogilvy PR is part of the WPP plc, one of the world's largest communications services organizations (NASDAQ: WPPGY, www.wpp.com). For more information, visit our Web site at www.ogilvypr.com.

2. ABOUT IAIN BUNDRED

A political communications veteran for over a decade, Iain previously worked for the Labour Party, as special advisor to James Purnell when Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and more recently as a government consultant in the Middle East.

He joined 10 Downing Street as Political Spokesperson to the Prime Minister in the summer of 2009 when Labour was 15 points behind in the polls. He continued to direct media for Gordon Brown throughout the General Election campaign and coalition talks.

SOURCE Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide