Ogilvy taps Pelosi director to lead public affairs

WASHINGTON: Ogilvy PR hired House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's longtime communications director Brendan Daly to lead the firm's public affairs group.

Daly, who is slated to start January 10, was named EVP and national director for public affairs. He will report to Robert Mathias, president of Ogilvy Washington, the Beltway office of Ogilvy PR Worldwide.

The hire “stresses this office's national purview,” said Mathias, who noted that while Daly's role is US-based in nature, Mathias expects global clients to seek his counsel on public affairs issues in the US.

Daly has served as communications director for Pelosi since 2002, handling communications for key pieces of legislation such as healthcare and financial regulation reform. He also held positions at the Brady Campaign and the office of former Congressman Gerry Studds.

Mathias said the firm now refers to its DC office as Ogilvy Washington to better reflect its diverse offering of digital, advertising, and communications.