U.S. Public Affairs Agency Expands Sustainability Practice in Europe

KPMG Director Caroline Baldwin joins Outreach Strategies as Regional Director, Europe

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to continued demand for expert communications strategy and services on sustainability, clean energy and environmental issues, U.S.-based Outreach Strategies, LLC announced today the appointment of Caroline Baldwin to establish its European operations.

Baldwin, who most recently served as Global Media Relations Director for KPMG International's Climate Change and Sustainability division, will be based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  In this capacity, she will engage with existing OS clients in Europe while also developing new partnerships and opportunities for positive environmental outcomes across issues as diverse as water, climate change, ecosystem services, sustainable agriculture, clean energy production, and numerous others.

Tad Segal, President of Outreach Strategies (OS), said the agency has experienced rapid growth over the past three years in the European market as both EU and U.S. companies and NGOs are expanding their sustainability practices and campaigns.

"From the consumer to the board room, and from the halls of Congress to parliaments around the world; sustainability and environmental issues are increasingly taking center stage," Segal said.  "OS is in a unique position to advocate on behalf of our clients, who are committed to making meaningful and positive differences in environmental outcomes.

"Caroline expands our capabilities with her unique experience advising multinational corporations on how business can contribute to positive change through meaningful action," Segal continued.  "We are delighted that she has chosen to lead the European operations of OS where she will continue to leverage her significant expertise, knowledge and commitment to progress."

Baldwin, who moved from KPMG Australia to lead global climate change and sustainability communications for KPMG International, said the opportunity to grow an established public affairs leader in the field of sustainable strategic communications was a lifetime career opportunity.

"Australians may be known for our love of travel and carefree attitude to life, but as each year goes by with more floods, fires and hotter temperatures, we are at the coalface of experiencing the economic and social impacts of climate change in our world," Baldwin said.  "The international business and political environment is also changing in response to undeniable environmental impacts, and I couldn't be happier to join Tad and the rest of the OS team where I can continue my personal mission to help make a difference through my passion for sustainable business."

Baldwin was responsible for developing and implementing strategic internal and external campaigns across 60 countries, helping to grow key sustainable business markets. She led the thought leadership efforts for KPMG's Yvo de Boer, the former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and renowned leader on sustainability to engage journalists, business and government stakeholders on the hot topic of sustainable business.

"I am delighted to have such an exceptional communicator leading our sustainability communications efforts in Europe, where we will finally be working in the right time zone," Segal said.  "I'm often asked how such a small group of people can have such incredible clients and partners.  The truth is, it's because we are so passionate and committed to our work. Small but mighty is how I always put it. Caroline embodies this ethic."

Outreach Strategies (OS) is a communications and public affairs firm dedicated to promoting sustainability and positive environmental outcomes at the national and international levels. Founded in 2009, OS focuses on the nexus between communication, business and public policy in the areas of sustainability, energy, water, climate, agriculture and other natural resource issues. Clients and partners include the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), KPMG, The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), among others. Outreach Strategies is also a grantee of The David & Lucile Packard Foundation.

SOURCE Outreach Strategies