Greg Gilligan Takes Helm of APCO Worldwide in Beijing

Beijing (April 28, 2010) – Greg Gilligan, former general manager of corporate affairs and senior director of operations for McDonald's China, is appointed managing director of APCO Worldwide's Beijing office, Murray King, managing director for the firm's Greater China operations, announced today. Gilligan will oversee daily operations and client service for APCO in Beijing.

"Greg has deep experience in public affairs, corporate communication and business operations in China, having managed McDonald's national strategy at the central government level as well as the company's corporate reputation and social responsibility programs," said King. "These capabilities are in great demand as multinational companies become more established and invested in mainland China."

Before heading McDonald's corporate affairs function in China, Gilligan was general manager of the company's operations in Southeast China. In that role, Gilligan had substantial experience on the commercial side of conducting business in China, where he oversaw all business functions including marketing, managed a fully Chinese-staffed division to first place in the firm's sales ranking and converted the Chinese cooperative partnership to a wholly owned foreign enterprise, among other achievements.

"Operating effectively in China today requires the close integration of business strategy with public policy and public opinion. I am most impressed that APCO focuses on this critical intersection, which I believe is the key to success in this strong market today," noted Gilligan. "I am optimistic that my experience on the commercial as well as the corporate relations side of business can bring insight into major client opportunities and challenges in the future."

"Gilligan has a Master of Arts in Asian studies with a focus on China as well as a law degree from Washington University. He also has a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He has been a member of the Missouri Bar since 1995. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history, magna cum laude, from Fairleigh Dickenson University. He was elected to the 2008 and 2009 Board of Governors of the American Chamber of Commerce – China. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

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:
Elizabeth Wolf - North America
202.778.1470
ewolf@apcoworldwide.com

Diana Chow - Asia
+852.2866.2313
dchow@apcoworldwide.com