Richard Edelman

Richard Edelman is the President and CEO of Edelman, the world's largest independent public relations and communications firm, which he has led since 1996. He is best known as the driving force behind the Edelman Trust Barometer, an annual global survey measuring public trust in institutions — governments, media, business, and NGOs — that has become one of the most cited and influential research instruments in marketing, communications, and advertising. His work on trust has fundamentally shaped how brands approach authenticity, purpose-driven marketing, and audience credibility in an era of media fragmentation and misinformation. Under Richard's leadership, Edelman has grown from a mid-sized American PR agency into a global communications powerhouse with over 6,000 employees across more than 60 cities. He has expanded the firm's capabilities well beyond traditional PR into brand strategy, digital marketing, data analytics, and earned media — areas that increasingly intersect with the AdTech ecosystem. His advocacy for 'earned creative' and the integration of paid, owned, and earned media has made Edelman a significant voice in discussions about the future of advertising effectiveness and brand safety. Richard is a prolific speaker and writer on topics including corporate trust, CEO activism, the role of business in society, and the evolving media landscape. He has been a consistent presence at Davos, Cannes Lions, and other major global forums, positioning Edelman as a thought leadership institution as much as a services firm. His family's stewardship of the company — founded by his father Daniel J. Edelman in 1952 — gives him a unique long-term perspective on brand communications that spans decades of media and advertising evolution.

Last updated Jul 10, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Jul 13, 2026