Former IBM UK Head of Press and Public Relations Joins APCO

Chris Steel To Deepen Agency’s Strategic Communication Expertise in London

London (November 17, 2009) – Chris Steel, former head of press and public relations for IBM UK, joins APCO Worldwide as an associate director in the London office, Edward Walsh, executive director of APCO’s Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region and managing director of APCO’s London office, announced today.

“Chris joining APCO marks an important strengthening of our corporate communication capacity in London,” said Walsh. “He brings fifteen years of experience and a deep understanding of the latest techniques in enabling a leading brand to meet challenges and thrive in this highly competitive environment. Chris adds enormous value to our London team and complements the skills and expertise of colleagues working on corporate communication assignments across the globe.”

As IBM’s external relations leader in the UK, Steel was responsible for handling all the UK communication issues, developing major media relationships and leading the in-house team. He was with IBM for eight years, including a three-year assignment in their New York office, and provided communication advice and counsel at a senior level of the company. He brings to APCO a wealth of experience in managing media relations, crisis management and complete issues-based communication strategies.

“APCO in London is a strong player in strategic communication and corporate communication, as well as public affairs, with an incredible reputation, talent base and international reach,” said Steel. “In joining APCO, I look forward to helping clients in the UK and around the world succeed in managing their reputations.”

As IBM’s head of press and public relations in the UK, Chris acted as the company spokesperson while managing the department. His team built a strong, positive corporate profile for the company in the UK by effectively developing and implementing strategies for the company’s corporate, external and media relations.

Prior to his work at IBM, he was media relations lead at PWC Consulting where he oversaw a complete turnaround in the company’s target media coverage. Before that, he spent two years as senior account manager at Beattie Media in London.

About APCO Worldwide

Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and nonprofit organizations; and seven of the top 10 companies on Fortune’s Global 500. APCO offers services related to business, industry and finance; media, public opinion and society; and government and public policy. The firm is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.

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Contact:

Dr. Steven King
+44.207.526.3654
sking@apcoworldwide.com