Daniel J. Edelman, founder of the public relations firm that bears his name, died on January 15, 2013, of heart failure at age 92. His wife, Ruth, announced the death.
Edelman founded the company on October 1, 1952, in a small office in Chicago's Merchandise Mart. At the time of his death, Edelman operated 65 offices with more than 4,400 employees worldwide and affiliates in more than 30 cities. It remains the largest independent public relations firm in the world.
Over the course of his career, Edelman helped build consumer brands including Sara Lee and KFC. He was a longtime advocate of professional standards in public relations and pressed the field toward formal codes of ethical practice.
Edelman entered public relations through the U.S. Army. Drafted in 1942, he was assigned to the Intelligence unit of the 100th Infantry Division, which included the division's public relations operation. Among his assignments was an analysis of German propaganda.
After his discharge, Edelman began his civilian PR career at Musicraft Records, where his accounts included the jazz vocalist Mel Tormé. Tormé's 15-minute weekly radio program was sponsored by the Toni Company, the home-perm hair-care brand. In 1947, Toni hired Edelman as its Chicago-based PR Director. After several successful campaigns, he left in 1952 to start his own firm — and kept Toni as his first client.
His son, Richard Edelman, has served as CEO of the firm since 1996. Daniel Edelman is survived by his wife Ruth, his son Richard, daughters Renee and Gail, and grandchildren.
Daniel J. Edelman is part of Everything-PR's In Memoriam record — the biographical history of the practitioners who built modern public relations.
Who founded Edelman PR?
Daniel J. Edelman, on October 1, 1952, in Chicago.
When did Daniel Edelman die?
January 15, 2013. He was 92.
Who runs Edelman now?
Richard Edelman, Daniel's son, has been CEO since 1996.
Where is Edelman PR headquartered?
Chicago, with offices worldwide.
