The following press release was sent out today:
FORMER WWE CEO LINDA MCMAHON JOINS APCO’S INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Washington, D.C. (June 27, 2013) – Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), joins APCO Worldwide as a member of the firm’s International Advisory Council (IAC), founder and CEO Margery Kraus announced today.
“Linda is a savvy business leader who grew a small, regional company into a global brand that is a leader in the entertainment sector,” said Kraus. “Her firsthand experience in branding, rapid growth, market entry and transformation will allow our clients to have access to even greater insights as they deal with these issues that confront all successful business leaders. We are truly excited to have Linda join our team.”
McMahon brings a strong background in executive leadership within the entertainment industry to APCO, having grown WWE from a 13-person operation to a publicly traded company with global operations delivering its entertainment to 650 million homes worldwide. In 2007, she was named one of Multichannel News’ “Wonder Women,” which recognized her accomplishments as a leader in the U.S. cable industry.
“I’m excited to work with the strong group of IAC members and contribute to APCO’s industry-leading thinking on corporate positioning, branding and market entry,” said McMahon. “Having successfully grown WWE into a global brand, I know firsthand how critical such advice can be when your goal is a true transformation.”
In addition to her work in the boardroom, McMahon has been instrumental in nurturing a wide variety of community and charitable programs. She spearheaded the creation of Get R.E.A.L. educational and literacy programs, including the company’s nationwide Reading Challenge in partnership with the youth division of the American Library Association. In 2004, the Make-A-Wish Foundation awarded WWE its highest honor and in 2005, McMahon was appointed to the organization’s National Advisory Council.
McMahon has also served as the Honorary Corporate Chair of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, running one of the organization’s most successful fundraising efforts. Currently, she serves on the boards of Sacred Heart University of Fairfield, Connecticut; the Close Up Foundation, a nonprofit that works to educate and motivate youth to exercise the rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy; and the American Corporate Partners, a New York-based nonprofit that matches returning veterans with mentors who help them transition into the workforce. She also served on the Connecticut Board of Education in 2009 as an appointee of Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
She joins a robust group of senior business leaders, including:
Barie Carmichael, former vice president and chief communications officer, Dow Corning Corporation
Timothy Cost, former executive vice president, corporate affairs, PepsiCo
J. Norwell Coquillard, former chairman and president of Cargill Investment (China) Ltd.
Delano Lewis, former president and chief executive officer of National Public Radio
Wendy Luhabe, former chairman of Vendome S.A.
Phyllis Piano, former vice president of corporate communications and philanthropy at Amgen
Kirk Stewart, former global vice president of corporate communications for Nike, Inc.
Georges Ugeux, chairman and CEO of Galileo Global Advisors; former head of the international group of the New York Stock Exchange
Joseph Zimmel, former managing director at Goldman Sachs and Co.