Brian Ellner
Brian Ellner

BCW has named Edelman's Brian Ellner executive VP-global corporate solutions practice.

At the independent firm, Ellner did a four-year stint as GM for public affairs and issues advocacy, handling clients in the finance, food, education, sports and transportation categories. Prior to Edelman, he was vice chairman at MacAndrews & Forbes, evaluating education technology companies for investment or acquisition.

Ellner also has nonprofit and political experience. He served as lead strategist for the Human Rights Campaign's effort to win marriage equality in New York and was a senior aide in New York City's Dept. of Education during Mayor Mike Bloomberg's administration.

“Corporations are navigating an increasingly complex world where their reputations are tied not only to their own performance but also to their behavior on topics like climate, gender pay equity, visa status, diversity and inclusion and the environment,” said Chris Foster, President, North America, in a statement.

He added that Ellner had deep experience helping clients manage reputations, business transformations and creating authentic social purpose engagements.

Ellner takes over the duties of Aranthan “AJ” Jones II, who will now lead BCW's public affairs and crisis group in the US.