FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ben Chang

202-842-7222

bchang@albrightstonebridge.com

Albright Stonebridge Group Announces Further Growth with Arrival of Senior International Experts

Washington, D.C. -- With the addition of four leaders with expertise in technology, public policy, and diplomacy, Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) continues to expand its capabilities as the leading global commercial diplomacy and strategic advisory firm.

“Along with my fellow Chairs, Samuel Berger and Carlos Gutierrez, I am delighted to welcome Robert Boorstin, Prem Kumar, John Hughes, and Ricardo Rodriguez to the firm.  They bring a wealth of talent and experience in Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, as well as in the areas of trade, investment, and the environment,” said Madeleine Albright, Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group.  “We advise clients on how best to navigate the intersection of business, government, and civil society in markets around the world, and these four distinguished professionals provide the unique experience and insights that will be invaluable for our clients.”

Robert Boorstin joins ASG as a Senior Vice President, helping clients tackle challenges in the information technology sector and operating as a member of the firm's Europe and Eurasia team.  He also works with clients on communications and corporate social responsibility strategies.  Mr. Boorstin was previously the director of public policy in the Washington office of Google, where he drove global efforts to promote the protection of online free expression.  Prior to joining Google, he spent more than 25 years working in national security, political communications, research and journalism.  He served for more than seven years with the Clinton administration, acting as the President's chief national security speechwriter, communications and foreign policy adviser to Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, and adviser on the developing world to Secretary of State Warren Christopher.

After leaving government, Mr. Boorstin helped start the Center for American Progress, where he established and ran the program on national security.  He has worked on more than a dozen national and international political campaigns and advised Fortune 500 CEOs and some of the nation's leading advocacy groups.  Early in his career, Mr. Boorstin was a reporter for The New York Times.

Prem Kumar has joined the firm as a Vice President in the Middle East and North Africa practice.  Mr. Kumar served on the National Security Council staff at the White House for more than five years before coming to ASG.  As Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa from 2013 to 2015, he was responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. foreign policy towards the region.  Before being promoted to Senior Director, Mr. Kumar served as Director for Israeli, Palestinian, and Egyptian affairs from 2009 to 2013.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Kumar was a visiting fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, focusing on the role of the United States in the Middle East.  He also served at the United States Mission to the United Nations, where he represented the U.S. on Middle East issues in the Security Council.  He worked closely with foreign counterparts to prepare summit meetings, negotiate bilateral agreements, and strengthen political and economic ties.  Before joining government, Mr. Kumar was an investment banker and then an equity research analyst with Morgan Stanley in New York, where he covered technology and financial services companies and published numerous company and industry reports.

John Hughes is a Senior Director in the firm’s Europe and Eurasia Practice.  Mr. Hughes was most recently the Deputy Director at the Office of Sanctions Policy and Implementation at the Department of State.  He previously served in other roles at the State Department, including as the Iran Sanctions Team Chief and as a Foreign Affairs Office and Presidential Management Fellow at the Office of Sanctions Policy.  Prior to his work at the State Department, Mr. Hughes was the Program Director for EF Education First, where he managed two language education centers.

ASG also welcomes Ricardo Rodriguez as the newest addition to its global network of seasoned professionals.

Ricardo Rodriguez has joined ASG as a Senior Advisor, bringing deep experience in international energy markets.  Mr. Rodriguez was CEO of Bioverda Holdings, LLC, a major U.S. corn-to-ethanol producer, and has held senior management positions in Royal Dutch Shell including Managing Director of Shell Technology Ventures, Shell International Exploration & Production’s PE/VC firm, and Shell Oil Company.  Mr. Rodriguez currently advises a range of organizations, including service, production and operating companies, private equity and venture capital firms, and investment banks.  

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About Albright Stonebridge Group

Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) is a 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 Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez.  ASG has helped clients navigate the intersections of business, the public sector, and civil society in over 100 countries on six continents.  The firm is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a broad network of professionals around the world.  ASG advises and assists companies, associations, and foundations 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 Bangkok, Beijing, Berlin, Istanbul, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Kampala, Madrid, Moscow, New Delhi, Stockholm, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Shanghai, and elsewhere. 

For more information, visit: www.albrightstonebridge.com.