Edelman
Edelman is a family-owned global communications firm founded in Chicago in 1952 by Daniel J. Edelman and owned by Daniel J. Edelman Holdings. It works across corporate reputation, brand, crisis, public affairs and health with offices in more than 20 countries, and its history page cites long-running relationships with Heinz, Butterball, Starbucks, Microsoft and Samsung. O'Dwyer's ranks it first among independent PR firms with $950.5 million in 2025 net fees and 5,457 staff. Nobody pays to be ranked.
Why it’s hereThe largest PR firm in the world by O'Dwyer's 2025 net fees, and still independently owned by the founding family after more than 70 years. Number 1 of the PR firms in the US.
Who leads itRichard Edelman, Chief Executive Officer (since 1996).
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for US PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
A fit forMultinational corporations that need corporate reputation, crisis, public affairs and brand communications run across many countries at once; Edelman also publishes the annual Trust Barometer.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Founded
- 1952
- Team size
- 500+ people
- Led by
- Richard Edelman, Chief Executive Officer (since 1996)
- Known for
- corporate reputation · brand marketing · crisis and risk · public affairs · health
- Named clients
- Hellmann's, Xbox, American Optometric Association, Heinz, Butterball, Starbucks, Microsoft, Samsung
- Best for
- Multinational corporations that need corporate reputation, crisis, public affairs and brand communications run across many countries at once; Edelman also publishes the annual Trust Barometer.
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for US PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
UpdateFamily-owned (Daniel J. Edelman Holdings) global communications firm founded in 1952, with more than 6,000 employees in 66 offices across 28 countries.
Sources edelman.com, odwyerpr.com · LinkedIn ↗
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