APCO Expands its Global Crisis Management and Litigation Communications Offer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Robert Ardelt was appointed as the co-leader of APCO Worldwide’s global crisis management and litigation communications practice, announced Brad Staples, CEO of APCO Worldwide.

Ardelt, who currently serves as the managing director of APCO’s offices in Germany and as a member of the firm’s Global Leadership Team, joins Washington-based executive director Kent Jarrell, as co-leader for the firm’s award-winning global practice.

“Robert is a leader in crisis work and brings an international perspective to our offering,” said Staples. “We’re excited to see Robert and Kent work together to enhance our global crisis and litigation communications capabilities and continue to help clients around the world effectively protect and manage their reputations.”

Ardelt has more than 15 years of local and international experience in crisis and strategic communications, which he gained working in various industries including technology, finance and energy. His main areas of focus are media and public relations, corporate positioning and reputation management.

“For many of the world’s leading companies, organizations and governments, ‘crisis mode’ has become the new normal,” said Ardelt. “I’m honoured and excited to work together with Kent to continue supporting APCO’s clients in navigating this complex global landscape.”

Prior to joining APCO, Ardelt was a marketing and communications manager at Booz & Company, where he served as a spokesman for Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Previously, he worked for Burson-Marsteller as a senior associate, where he led the crisis communications practice in Germany. Ardelt began his career as a journalist for Germany’s leading news-wire, DPA, and later reported for RTL television.

“Robert and I have worked together for years and his expertise and judgment in the crisis and litigation field are outstanding,” said Jarrell. “I couldn’t be more pleased to join forces with Robert, as he adds tremendous value to APCO’s offering for our clients.”

Along with Jarrell, Ardelt will lead a team of crisis and litigation consultants that operate across APCO’s global network, in more than 80 local markets worldwide, to help clients manage and protect their reputations through an integrated, research-driven approach. APCO’s crisis and litigation communication practice partners with clients to develop integrated strategies that manage unexpected circumstances and achieve business objectives.