Washington, DC, 22 June 2022 – Kekst CNC, a leading international strategic communications consultancy, announced today that Brian Bartlett has joined the firm as Partner, based in Washington, D.C. Brian will expand Kekst CNC’s public affairs offering in the United States, and be charged with developing and leading Kekst CNC’s presence in Washington, D.C., drawing on his nearly two decades of experience working across the highest levels of business, government, and politics.
“Brian is a seasoned and sophisticated counselor to leaders across a diverse spectrum of industries and issues, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Kekst CNC team. Brian’s public affairs expertise and perspectives – as well as his experience in leading crisis, issues management, litigation, and reputational communications campaigns – will significantly expand our strategic communications offerings for clients here in the U.S., as well as our seamless global team of talented public affairs professionals that now spans Washington, D.C., London, Brussels, Berlin, and Stockholm.”
“The work being done by policymakers, regulators, influencers, and media in Washington and other power centers around the country influences nearly every strategic priority of businesses today,” said Mr. Bartlett. “Kekst CNC has an elite reputation as a premier international communications consultancy for leaders navigating strategic opportunities and challenges, and I’m pleased to be joining such a dynamic and storied firm as it expands into Washington, D.C. and continues to enhance its global public affairs practice.”
A trusted counselor in a variety of industries, Brian will advise clients on all manner of public affairs issues, creating and leading campaigns designed to influence policy decision making and to shape opinions about issues of public concern. He is also a widely respected crisis and issues management counselor, advising C-suite leaders and board members on preserving and enhancing corporate reputations, communicating around sensitive litigation matters, and navigating other special situations.
Brian joins from Rational 360, where he was Managing Director, Co-Founder, and Global Corporate Affairs Practice Chair. His experience also includes positions with multiple political campaigns, including both of Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns; Scott Brown’s 2010 U.S. Senate campaign; and Bob McDonnell’s 2009 gubernatorial campaign. Brian has also held several public service positions, having served in The White House for both President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney; in the U.S. Senate for Senator Scott Brown; and in the U.S. Department of Labor under Secretary Elaine Chao.
An Illinois native, Brian is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, received his Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University, and his Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs degree with honors from Indiana University.
About Kekst CNC
Kekst CNC is a global strategic communications firm that specializes in protecting and enhancing reputations. From 12 offices around the globe, our team of 300 professionals provides expert communications counsel, informed by judgment, insights and data-led analysis. We apply our communications expertise across high-stakes corporate, financial, and political matters, helping businesses communicate effectively through periods of disruption, transformation and growth. Kekst CNC is part of the Publicis Groupe. For more information, visit www.kekstcnc.com.
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