Ogilvy Washington to Hire Brendan Daly

Communications Director for Speaker Pelosi Will Join the Firm as the Executive Vice President and National Director for Public Affairs

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ogilvy Washington announced today that Brendan Daly, Communications Director for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, will join the firm as an executive vice president and National Director for Public Affairs. Daly will lead the agency's D.C.-based Public Affairs offer, where he will work with clients to help them manage their reputations inside the Beltway and beyond, legislative agendas, social media advocacy needs, as well as manage those issues that arise unexpectedly throughout the business cycle and legislative process.

"Brendan Daly has a unique understanding of the confluence of politics and policy and how to manage both," said Robert Mathias, president of Ogilvy Washington. "He has been one of the nation's top political communicators for the past eight years, having developed the communications strategies for the country's key legislative initiatives – from health care to Wall Street reform – and virtually every other major issue that has moved through Congress. He will be a tremendous asset to all of our clients."

Daly served as the communications director for Pelosi (D) since 2002, acting as the chief spokesman for the Speaker. He was with Pelosi through her rise from House Minority Whip to House Minority Leader and then to Speaker. Daly worked closely with House Democratic leaders to create a unified communications platform that influenced Democratic victories in 2006 and 2008. Prior to his work with Speaker Pelosi, Daly was the communications director and chief spokesman for the Brady Campaign, an organization that advocates for an America free of gun violence. Daly also held top communications positions for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Peace Corps, and Congressman Gerry Studds. Daly spent the first nine years of his career as a newspaper journalist.

"Daly will offer enormous value to our clients here in D.C. and across the globe," said Jamie Moeller, managing director of Ogilvy's Global Public Affairs Practice. "His knowledge of the media and the U.S. Congress and how they work will be invaluable here and abroad."

Daly said he is looking forward to the challenge of his new assignment. "It has been a privilege to work for Speaker Pelosi and to help craft the message for House Democrats for the past nine years," Daly said. "Joining the talented Ogilvy Washington Public Affairs team will give me new opportunities to lead strategic communications as we work with clients from around the world."

About Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR) is a global, multi-disciplinary communications leader operating in more than 70 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. In its 29th year, Ogilvy PR provides strategic public relations counsel to a variety of clients across its social marketing, public affairs, healthcare, consumer marketing, 360° digital influence, corporate and technology practices. Through its subsidiary, Feinstein Kean Healthcare, the agency also offers additional experience in the cancer field, as well as specialized expertise in molecular medicine, advanced biomedical research, leading life science and healthcare technologies and treatments. 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.

SOURCE Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide