During a recent interview at the PRWeek Conference, the industry legend, who is celebrating 30 years at the helm of his firm, offered informed predictions for the years ahead.
In 1996, Richard Edelman took over his eponymous agency from his father. Now, celebrating its 30th year under Richard’s leadership, the firm’s global revenue is $950 million. It was $85 million when he took the reins. The rousing success of his independent agency is largely due to Richard’s constant eye on the future, as well as his ability to anticipate it — a skill as sharp today as it ever was. That was on full display during the session at the recent PRWeek Conference in Chicago. He spoke to PRWeek’s Jess Ruderman about his succession plans, his stronger-than-ever belief in being an independent shop, the industry-wide impact of agency consolidation and the ever-increasing importance of a word that has become synonymous with Richard and his organization — trust.