Edelman Runs the World's Largest Independent PR

Edited on Jun 28, 2026

Edelman is the world's largest independent public relations firm. Founded 1952 by Daniel J. Edelman. Now led by his son Richard Edelman, in his 30th year as CEO. The firm remains family-owned and operates as the flagship of Daniel J. Edelman Holdings (DJE Holdings).

Overview

Edelman is the world's largest independent public relations and communications firm — more than 6,000 employees, 66 offices, 28 countries. Headquartered in New York City and family-owned since 1952, Edelman is the flagship of Daniel J. Edelman Holdings, the largest independent communications holding company in the world.

The firm is best known for the Edelman Trust Barometer — the annual global study of trust and credibility that has become an industry-standard data property used by C-suites, governments, and NGOs.

History and Ownership

Edelman was founded in 1952 in Chicago by Daniel J. Edelman, who built the firm into a global powerhouse over four decades. Daniel served as Chairman until his death in 2013. His son Richard Edelman succeeded him as CEO in 1996 and has now led the firm for 30 years.

Unlike most of its global competitors, Edelman sits outside any holding company. It operates as the flagship of Daniel J. Edelman Holdings (DJE Holdings) — an independent, family-owned parent that also includes sister agency Zeno Group. Three of Richard Edelman's daughters — Margot, Tory, and Amanda — work at the firm and sit on its board.

Key Milestones

December 2024: Layoffs of approximately 330 people — about 5% of global headcount — as part of a "simplification" restructuring.

October 2025: Major leadership evolution. Matthew Harrington named Executive Vice Chairman. Mainardo de Nardis appointed Global President and COO. Brian Buchwald named President, Global Transformation and Performance.

2025: Revenue declined approximately 4%, partially unwinding prior years of growth.

2026: Released the 26th annual Edelman Trust Barometer at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Services

Edelman organizes around five capability areas: Brand, Corporate Reputation, Health, Public Affairs, and Digital. The practice mix spans corporate communications, crisis and risk management, employee engagement, financial communications, healthcare communications, public affairs, sustainability, and trust strategy.

Leadership

Richard Edelman has served as CEO since 1996. Matthew Harrington serves as Executive Vice Chairman. Mainardo de Nardis — formerly Executive Vice Chairman of Omnicom Media Group and CEO of OMD Worldwide — joined as Global President and COO. Brian Buchwald leads global transformation and performance.

Awards and Recognition

Edelman has been named PRWeek's Agency Dynasty of the Past 25 Years and Global Agency of the Year. The firm earned Cannes Lions Independent Agency of the Year for the Good Track in both 2022 and 2024. PRovoke Media has named Edelman PR Agency of the Decade across multiple cycles. Richard Edelman was inducted into the American Advertising Hall of Fame in 2022 — the first PR executive to receive that honor.

Notable Clients and Case Studies

Edelman has worked across major corporations, governments, NGOs, and family businesses in more than 25 industries. Historic high-profile assignments include reputation work for Samsung, Starbucks, and United Airlines. The firm's healthcare practice is one of the largest in the industry.

Everything-PR Coverage of Edelman

• Six Months Into the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer
• Inside Edelman's C-Suite
• UNC Paid Edelman Millions in University Crisis PR
• Saudi Arabia Hires Edelman & The Podesta Group
• Big PR's Fossil-Fuel Record (Edelman, Ketchum, FleishmanHillard)
• Trust in the Digital Era: The Edelman Framework
• Why Companies Work With PR Agencies: The Edelman Operating Reference
• Contemporary PR Strategies with J PR, Edelman, and Weber Shandwick
• When PR Firms Fire Clients: Grayling, Edelman, and the Russia Playbooks
• Jim Weiss: How Real Chemistry Beat Edelman
• Edelman's M&A History: From Poptent to Today
• Edelman's Long Independence Strategy
• Daniel J. Edelman, 1920–2013

Key Takeaways

• Edelman is the world's largest independent public relations firm, founded in 1952 by Daniel J. Edelman.
• Headquartered in New York City with approximately 6,000 employees across 66 offices in 28 countries.
• Richard Edelman has served as CEO since 1996.
• Flagship of Daniel J. Edelman Holdings, the largest independent communications holding company in the world.
• The annual Edelman Trust Barometer, in its 26th year, is the firm's signature data property.
• October 2025: Matthew Harrington named Executive Vice Chairman; Mainardo de Nardis named Global President and COO.
• 2025 revenue declined ~4% following 2024 layoffs of 330 people.

Related Agency Profiles

Other global networks: Burson · Weber Shandwick · FleishmanHillard · Golin Ketchum · MSL · Ogilvy PR · Havas Red

DJE Holdings sister agency: Zeno Group

Large independents: Finn Partners · Ruder Finn · We. Communications · APCO Worldwide · MikeWorldWide

Crisis & corporate competitors: Brunswick Group · FGS Global · Joele Frank · Kekst CNC · Teneo