Prime Minister's Special Adviser Joins APCO
London (September 1, 2005) – Darren Murphy, former special adviser to the Prime Minister, today joins APCO Worldwide as a director in its London office, APCO UK, Brad Staples, APCO chief executive officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa, announced.
Murphy has worked at 10 Downing Street for over three years as assistant political secretary and then special adviser to the Prime Minister responsible for all strategic political communications and media issues. Prior to that, he served for four years as special adviser to the Secretary of State for Health advising on all elements of health policy nationally and internationally and acting as media spokesperson. Murphy started his career with the Labour government when they won the election as special adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister.
Murphy joins APCO’s team of experienced senior consultants. His expertise brings added weight to APCO’s crisis communication, strategic communication and government relations capabilities in the UK and internationally, as well as a unique insight into health care decision making at the highest levels.
Commenting on his appointment, Brad Staples said: “Darren brings experience from the heart of government in the UK and first-hand experience dealing with complex inter-governmental and political issues on the world stage. APCO will draw on his broad expertise to help better advise our clients with complex issues and reputation challenges.”
Darren Murphy said: "It has been a privilege to work closely with the Prime Minister and other colleagues since New Labour was elected in 1997. I have been really impressed by the professionalism and commitment of APCO and the strength of its global network and I am keen to bring my knowledge and skills to APCO's dynamic consultancy team.”
Simon Miller, managing director of APCO UK said: “Darren brings a high level of expertise in public affairs and media relations to APCO and we are delighted he will be joining us. I have no doubt our clients will value the informed counsel and insight he will provide. Darren will strengthen our offer in the UK and internationally. We all look forward to welcoming him to the company and to working with him.”
About APCO Worldwide
Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. APCO was named 2005 European Consultancy of the Year by Public Affairs News, 2004 Public Affairs Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report and 2003 International Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report. Clients include corporations, governments, industry associations and non-profit organizations. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO includes among its clients six of the top 10 companies on Fortune's Global 500. Core services include corporate, investor and internal communication; crisis management; issue management; government relations; litigation communication; media relations; coalition building; opinion research; market entry; corporate social responsibility and online communication. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.
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Contact:
Cleopatra van de Winkel
APCO UK
+44-20-7526-3600
cwinkel@apcoworldwide.com