The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Names Corporate Governance Communications Expert Elizabeth Saunders to the Prestigious 'Directorship 100': Governance Professionals and Institutions List

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN), the global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance their enterprise value, congratulates Elizabeth (Beth) Saunders on her recognition as a 2013 National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) 'Directorship 100': Governance Professionals and Institutions honoree. Ms. Saunders is a Senior Managing Director and the Americas Chairman of the Strategic Communications segment at FTI Consulting, and is one of few communications strategists to be named to this prestigious list, reiterating a growing importance of boardroom and executive communications.

The 'Directorship 100' represents the most influential business professionals in the boardroom community, including corporate governance experts, directors, journalists and regulators. This year's seventh annual 'Directorship 100' is composed of 100 individuals, including 50 public company directors, who exemplify excellence, knowledge and leadership in corporate governance.

"Beth's inclusion in this year's 'Directorship 100' is great recognition of her impressive achievements and the gold-standard counsel she provides our clients every day. Beth's recognition is significant for the Strategic Communications segment at FTI Consulting, as well as for the greater communications industry," said Edward J. Reilly, Global Chief Executive Officer of the Strategic Communications segment at FTI Consulting. "Our research has found that shareholders are calling for greater transparency among corporate boards of directors and management teams. Consequently, boards and executives are facing more complex challenges magnified by an intensified threat of shareholder activism, making corporate governance communications experts such as Beth, a critical asset to public companies."

In addition to serving as the Americas Chairman of the Company's Strategic Communications segment, Ms. Saunders leads the firm's Financial Communications practice in North America. She has served as senior counsel to a range of companies through leadership transition, post-merger-communication and restructuring assignments, and is renowned for her expertise in corporate governance and capital market communications strategies, including initial public offerings.

"Since 2009, shareholder activism triggers have increased exponentially in complexity, fueled by amplified 'balance-sheet activism' and more direct involvement by institutions rather than advisors," said Ms. Saunders. "In the face of these trends, our clients and other partners such as the NACD have recognized the value of communications specialists in helping companies activate communications, reputation management and stakeholder engagement strategies to protect and enhance their enterprise value. As many forward-thinking companies have recognized, no industry or company remains untouched, and much like investor relations was 10 years ago, corporate governance communications is quickly becoming a critical element to doing business in the 21^st century."

'Directorship 100' nominations were submitted by a cross-section of directors and NACD constituents, including the NACD board of directors, NACD chapter leaders and previous honorees. Ms. Saunders and the other 2013 award recipients will be formally honored at the NACD 'Directorship 100' gala on December 3, 2013 in New York.

For more insights, strategies and critical action items specific to corporate governance, shareholder activism and CEO communications, contact the Strategic Communications segment at FTI Consulting.

About NACD
The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the only membership organization focused exclusively on advancing exemplary board leadership. Based on more than 35 years of experience, NACD identifies, interprets and provides insights and information that corporate board members rely upon to make sound strategic decisions, confidently confront complex business challenges and enhance shareowner value. With more than 13,000 corporate director members, NACD provides world-class director education, director training and proprietary research about leading boardroom and corporate governance practices to promote director professionalism and bolster investor confidence. Furthermore, to create more effective and efficient corporate boards, NACD provides independent board evaluations and custom-tailored in-boardroom education and training programs, as well as director-led conferences, forums and peer-exchange learning opportunities to share ideas about current and emerging issues. Fostering collaboration among directors and governance stakeholders, NACD is shaping the future of board leadership. To learn more about NACD, visit www.NACDonline.org.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

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SOURCE FTI Consulting, Inc.