Mark Penn
Mark Penn

Stagwell has launched a bipartisan risk and reputation unit to counsel clients on emerging policy, political and social issues.

The operation will include executives from Stagwell’s Democratic strategic PR firm SKDK and Republican digital-first political communications shop Targeted Victory and IR/financial PR agency Sloane & Co.

They will audit issues that are most important to stakeholders, develop proactive/reactive strategies and monitor the impact of positions on corporate reputation and overall performance.

Mark Penn, Stagwell CEO, said businesses often depend on expertise from one side of the political aisle without considering the overall financial implications of a public position.

“Our team goes beyond the purpose-marketing units in today’s landscape to bring true, bipartisan political insights and tested business acumen closer to the war room,” said Penn.