Former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson has joined APCO Worldwide as the chairman of the firm’s executive advisory service, Global Political Strategies (GPS), where he will assist in providing counsel to companies and institutions at the highest levels as they globalize their activities.
“Gov. Richardson has a unique combination of local, state, congressional, executive branch and foreign policy experience gained through high-level diplomatic and political posts held throughout his career,” – said APCO founder and CEO Margery Kraus. “Given his strong leadership qualities, his extraordinary achievements in government and business and his global knowledge and experience, we know he’s the right person to head this high-caliber group.”
“I am very pleased to be affiliated with APCO Worldwide through my new role as GPS chairman, and I look forward to working with colleagues and clients, old and new,” Richardson said in a statement, commenting on his new employment. “In today’s evolving world, business success increasingly depends on understanding the global forces affecting economies and cultures, and the GPS team presents an unparalleled resource to companies and institutions who seek to understand how to better navigate their futures.”
Richardson served as the 30th Governor of New Mexico from 2003 to 2011. Prior to this position he served in the Clinton administration as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations – where he handled sensitive Congo transition negotiations and dealt first-hand with the issue of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction in the UN Security – and Energy Secretary. He was also a U.S. Congressman, chairman of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and chairman of the Democratic Governors Association.
Gov. Richardson will continue his speech-making activities and plans to serve on nonprofit and for profit boards. The Governor will keep his home base in New Mexico but will also have an office at APCO Worldwide’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.