News

Congressman Chris John Joins Ogilvy Government Relations

Former Democratic Congressman Adds Clout to Bipartisan Government Relations Firm

Washington, DC, March 23, 2006 - Ogilvy Government Relations today announced that U.S. Representative Chris John (D-LA) has joined the firm as managing director. Also joining the practice is John's former Chief of Staff, Gordon Taylor, as senior vice president.

John, 46, a four-term congressman from Louisiana, was a member of the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Resources and Agriculture. He also served as Chairman of the Blue Dog Coalition, a centrist group of more than 30 Democrat members of Congress. John was considered one of the leading advocates for energy-related matters in the House of Representatives.

"Ogilvy Government Relations has earned a reputation as being one of the most effective groups in the city and Gordon and I believe our legislative experience, on the Democratic side, will quickly add value to its clients," said John. "I look forward to working among such a talented team."

"We are committed to establishing the most effective bipartisan firm dedicated to achieving our clients' goals," said Wayne Berman, managing director of Ogilvy Government Relations. "Chris and Gordon both have the relevant experience to greatly assist our clients in managing their political risk. They have the seasoned judgment and practical insight that our clients value."

"Chris and Gordon's arrival marks a tremendous accomplishment for Ogilvy Government Relations," said Robert Mathias, managing director of Ogilvy PR's Washington office that acquired Ogilvy Government Relations in September 2005. "Both will provide valuable contributions to the entire network and we could not be happier."

Along with John, Taylor brings over 10 years experience on Capitol Hill, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to former Rep. Chris John. In that role, he was the principal advisor to the Congressman on House Energy and Commerce Committee issues and votes. "Chris and I have worked together with great success for over a decade and both saw that Ogilvy Government Relations's reputation, philosophy and people made it the natural fit for us," added Taylor.

Both additions will provide strategic and policy advice to a diverse group of clients on regulatory and legislative issues, specifically in the areas of telecommunications, energy, health care, agriculture, information technology and international trade.

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About Ogilvy Government Relations
Ogilvy Government Relations, a Washington-based government relations firm, specializes in legislative advocacy, policy initiatives, securing federal appropriations, legislative and executive relationship building, regulatory advocacy and grassroots campaigns. Ogilvy Government Relations's professional staff has decades of experience in grassroots and advocacy groups, campaigns, House, Senate and Executive offices and prides itself on the ability to anticipate and mitigate actions by government that can adversely affect clients' profitability and stability. Ogilvy Government Relations is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ogilvygr.com.

About Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide is a global marketing communications firm, with offices in more than 60 cities around the world. Entering its 25th year providing public relations solutions, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide has specialties in consumer marketing, corporate (B2B), healthcare, social marketing, technology, public affairs and entertainment. Through its subsidiary Feinstein Kean Healthcare, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide provides communication consulting to biotechnology companies. The Holmes Report has named Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide "2003 International Agency of the Year"; marking the fourth consecutive year the firm has been awarded "Agency of the Year." Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide is part of the WPP Group, one of the world's leading communications services groups (NASDAQ: WPPGY, www.wpp.com). For more information, visit our Web site at www.ogilvypr.com.