European Research Expert Named to Lead APCO Insight Operations

Washington, D.C. (June 13, 2006) — Phil Riggins, an expert in opinion research and strategic communication, is the new director of APCO Insight in Europe, Brad Staples, APCO’s chief executive officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), announced.

Riggins, formerly senior managing director of Weber Shandwick’s opinion research affiliate, heads the European operations of APCO Insight, the firm’s in-house opinion research and message development team. “Phil’s combination of stellar credentials and diverse on-the-ground experience will add considerable depth to APCO Insight’s EMEA operations. He has consistently delivered outstanding results for clients. Having him on our team is a big win for APCO’s clients,” said Mark Benson, president, APCO Insight.

Riggins has more than 16 years experience using opinion research to assist clients in developing effective communication strategies. Based in London, Riggins will lead a team dedicated to providing research-driven communication plans for APCO’s clients. He has extensive experience conducting both quantitative and qualitative research in markets across the EU and around the world, with particular expertise in dealing with complex public and foreign policy issues including energy, biotech, obesity and national image. Riggins recently completed a global opinion research project for OPEC to determine how government decision makers, the media, consumers and others view the organization and energy issues — the first image study in OPEC’s 45-year history.

At KRC, Riggins managed Europe and Asia-based research for the firm, as well as global research projects. He advised corporations — including Intel Pfizer, Goodyear, and Epson
— nonprofit organizations and governments including Egypt and the U.S. Department of State. Prior to KRC, he spent six years conducting surveys for the U.S. Information Agency (USIA); now part of the U.S. Department of State. At USIA, Riggins monitored a wide range of political, economic, social and business issues, including views of the United States and U.S. foreign policy, EU integration and expansion, the future of NATO, and the war in Bosnia.

“I am extremely pleased to join the dynamic APCO Insight team. Their strong reputation for delivering actionable, credible research is second to none,” Riggins said. “I look forward to helping expand APCO Insight’s offering of innovative products and strategic client counsel throughout the EMEA region.”

Riggins received his master’s degree in political science from American University in Washington, D.C., and was awarded a Presidential Management Internship.

About APCO Worldwide

Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. APCO was named 2006 Agency of the Year by PR Week, 2005 European Consultancy of the Year by Public Affairs News and 2004 Public Affairs Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report. Clients include corporations, governments, industry associations and nonprofit organizations. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO includes among its clients seven 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 responsibility and online communication. APCO is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.

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Contact:
Megan Carpenter
APCO Worldwide
+202-659-7913
mcarpenter@apcoworldwide.com

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