It's announced today that I'm joining Edelman in May as Global Vice Chairman and Chief Content Officer. It's a new role designed to develop the opportunities for organisations to use digital media to connect directly with the public. I will also be helping to run their crisis and issues practice.
When I decided to leave the BBC I wanted to find a job that was:
- very different, but..
- still connected to global affairs
- involved in digital media
- in a creative organisation
Edelman ticks all of those boxes. They are an organisation that I have admired for taking a leading role in the use of social media, and their work on Trust and Public Engagement among other issues.
Some people will be surprised that a journalist who has stuck his neck out on many occasions for the independence of news media has joined a PR company. It misses the point. Edelman are redefining corporate communications and growing fast. As digital media explodes traditional channels, they are exploiting the new opportunities that are opening up. It's a stake in the future - I'm looking forward to it.
Richard, congratulations, good move!
Craig
Posted by: Craig Newmark | February 15, 2010 at 08:51 PM
Better get sucking up then. Did I ever tell you how good looking you were? And such a great patron of impoverished academics
Posted by: Andy Tedd | February 15, 2010 at 08:56 PM
Congrats! Moving to the Big Apple?
Posted by: Rebecca MacKinnon | February 15, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Welcome! Can't wait until we meet. - steve
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=500028774 | February 16, 2010 at 02:35 AM
Welcome to the team! Echoing Steve, I can't wait to meet you, work with you, learn from you...
Cheers,
Amanda
Posted by: Amanda Mooney | February 16, 2010 at 03:06 AM
While this might turn out to be a very astute career move, I have to admit that I'm far less concerned about the future of Edelman and its client's future PR, than I am about the future of the BBC.
I can only hope that the next person to take on the challenge is as intellectually curious as you are.
Posted by: Mark Kraft | February 16, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Interesting move. I look forward with great interest as to what comes of it.
Oh, and congratulations. :)
Posted by: Adam | February 16, 2010 at 12:53 PM
I still don't understand why it misses the point. Nevertheless, seems better to move from news to PR than from PR to news. All the best as you make the transition. ...Kim
Posted by: Kim Andrew Elliott | February 16, 2010 at 01:21 PM
Congratulations, Richard. Good for you and very good for Edelman...
Posted by: Antony | February 16, 2010 at 04:02 PM
I can only hope that the next person to take on the challenge is as intellectually curious as you are.
Posted by: Mark Kraft | February 16, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Amen to that.
IMO this will have much wider knock-on for the beeb than they realise.
Richard did a LOT of stuff that wasn't in his job spec.
Posted by: Andy Tedd | February 22, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Congrats Richard, I am happy for you in finding a job that meets your list of criteria and a job you feel you can make a positive difference.
I hope you don't mind me saying, your choice of joining a PR company, in particular Edelman, still comes as a surprise. Edelman is a name that registered in my mind and upon further research, I realize I first read of Edelman (in 2006) for its role in the "Wal-Marting Across America" story. (see references at the end) And unfortunately, and may be I am too "old-school", I still remember Edelman in a very negative way.
I truly wish you well working for Edelman. As their Global Vice Chairman and Chief Content Officer, your personal credibility and years of experiences as Director of BBC Global News has now been added to and mixed in with those of Edelman.
Good luck and hope to read more about your adventures from Edelman starting in May.
References:
Wal-Mart's Jim and Laura: The Real Story
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/oct2006/db20061009_579137.htm
Edelman: A Commitment
http://www.edelman.com/speak_up/blog/archives/2006/10/a_commitment.html
Posted by: Kempton | February 22, 2010 at 03:38 PM
Thanks Kempton. I guess the Wal Mart experience may be one of the reasons they want someone like me in that kind of role. Although frankly it seems pretty old news now and something from which Edelman quickly and clearly learned. In other words, I don't expect to check my values in at the door...
Andy, you're too kind, but you are welcome to comment here anytime ;)
And those worried about the fate of the World Service - it's in very good hands with Peter Horrocks..
Posted by: Richard S | February 22, 2010 at 04:34 PM
Nice move, Richard. Edelman's a great company and your time there will make it even better.
Posted by: Milverton Wallace | February 23, 2010 at 06:09 PM
Hi Richard,
By chance, I saw Edelman CEO Mr. Richard Edelman's interview on CBC aired literally a few minutes ago. Mr. Edelman seemed like an insightful man to me. At one point he was asked about the reputation of Citibank, and if I heard right, he said something along the line: it may take Citibank 4-5 years to regain its reputation and trust.
Looking at the Wal-marting story, some were able to rush to forgive Edelman only hours or days after the official apology. For me it has taken "4-5 years". :)
Well Richard, with you joining Edelman, it is probably a good time for me to change my mind.
P.S. I've now subscribed to Mr. Edelman's blog as I think I can learn a few things from Richard as well.
Posted by: Kempton | February 23, 2010 at 10:23 PM
I should just point out that my second comment was more aimed at Richard's role in making the BBC's most senior management think about how technology is changing journalism and the way media companies work - and not about his stewardship of the WS.
Peter will do a great job of the latter.
Posted by: Andy Tedd | February 25, 2010 at 08:32 PM