FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ben Chang

202-842-7222

bchang@albrightstonebridge.com

Albright Stonebridge Group announces Carlos M. Gutierrez, former Commerce Secretary and Kellogg CEO, as new Co-Chair

Washington, D.C. – Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG), the leading global commercial diplomacy and strategic advisory firm, announced today that Carlos M. Gutierrez, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and CEO of Kellogg Company, has been named Co-Chair, alongside Madeleine K. Albright and Samuel R. Berger.

“The Albright Stonebridge Group understands the different languages of business, government, and civil society – and how these three intersect and complement one another,” said Madeleine K. Albright, Chair of ASG.  “Carlos has been a leader in each and brings a unique understanding of navigating this inter-woven terrain.”  She added that his personal commitment to immigration reform “adds a vital dimension to the character of our firm and reinforces the concept that we can work together, regardless of political party, for the advancement of our economy and country.”

“As a highly respected former CEO of an iconic American company, as well as Secretary of Commerce, Carlos brings a perspective to our work with clients that is invaluable as we move into the next stage of growth of this firm,” said Samuel R. “Sandy” Berger, Chair of ASG.  “He has already made an impact on our team as we help companies navigate the global markets, especially at this critical time.” 

Secretary Gutierrez said that ASG has built “a foundation of expertise that is unmatched and a team that is dynamic and growing. Fundamentally, ASG is a business that helps businesses do business overseas.  More importantly, however, is our underlying belief that business is increasingly leading the way to effect positive change in the world, in partnership with government and civil society.  We help our clients identify opportunities, build bridges, and make long-lasting change.  The most exciting place to be right now is at the intersection of all these trends.”

Born in Havana, Cuba, Secretary Gutierrez served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 2005 to 2009 under President George W. Bush.  He joined the Bush administration after spending nearly 30 years with Kellogg Company, starting as a sales representative in Mexico City and rising to President and Chief Executive Officer in 1999, the youngest CEO in the company's 100-year history.  In April 2000, he was named Chairman of the Board of Kellogg Company.  Secretary Gutierrez’s tenure as Chairman and CEO led to sustained growth at the company and value creation for its shareholders.

As the 35th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary Gutierrez led a Cabinet agency with almost 40,000 employees and a $6.5 billion budget focused on promoting American business at home and abroad.  During his tenure as Secretary, he worked with foreign government and business leaders to advance economic relationships, enhance trade, and promote U.S. exports.  Secretary Gutierrez also played a key role in the passage of landmark free trade agreements that eliminate trade barriers, expand export opportunities, and boost global investment.

Secretary Gutierrez is Chairman of Republicans for Immigration Reform, the political action group he co-founded in 2012, and co-founder of TheDream.US, a scholarship fund for young immigrants (“DREAMers”).  At the University of Miami, he serves as a National Trustee and as a visiting scholar at the Institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies.  He is on the Board of Trustees of the Meridian International Center and a member of the Board of the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, and sits on the Advisory Council for the George W. Bush Institute’s Human Freedom Initiative.

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About Albright Stonebridge Group

Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) is the leading commercial diplomacy and strategic advisory firm chaired by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, National Security Advisor Samuel R. Berger, and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.  ASG has helped clients navigate the intersection of business, the public sector, and civil society in over 100 countries on six continents.  The firm is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with more than 100 seasoned professionals around the world.  ASG works with business leaders and their companies, associations, foundations, and non-profits to assess and manage risk, realize opportunities, position themselves for success, and solve commercial, political, and regulatory challenges.  The firm's global network includes team members in Accra, Bangkok, Beijing, Berlin, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Kampala, Madrid, Moscow, New Delhi, Stockholm, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Shanghai, Sydney, and elsewhere.

For more information, visit: www.albrightstonebridge.com