Burson-Marsteller has recruited Edelman research and analytics chief Steve Lombardo to chair its U.S. public affairs practice in Washington.

Steve LombardoLombardo, a former Republican political operative who founded Edelman's StrategyOne unit and launched its well-known Trust Barometer, re-joined that firm in 2011 after running his own shop for eight years. He has counseled blue chip clients like Pfizer, Kraft and Disney.

Under Burson U.S. CEO Dave DenHerder, Lombardo will oversee PA, issues management and crisis for the firm.

Lombardo worked communications for President George H.W. Bush's 1992 campaign, as well as the 1996 and 2000 Republican National Conventions. He advised the Romney campaign in 2008.

Lombardo and Edelman vice chair Jackie Cooper broke down the Republican "brand problem" for O'Dwyer's in a December op-ed.

Edelman last year brought in Burson partner and polling guru Michael Berland to bolster the StrategyOne unit.