Reputation Management & Executive Transitions

High-profile personalities are a favorite for media scrutiny. Our professionals frequently provide strategic communications and counsel when the media spotlight has turned to these individuals in the midst of a crisis or scandal. We have represented high-profile elected and appointed officials, politicians, business executives, and professional athletes through a variety of scandals, investigations, and media exposés.

Representative Reputation Management & Executive Transitions Experience

High-profile community non-profit organization faces leadership crisis as Board terminates CEO, resulting in uncertainty for community partners and temporary leadership uncertainties
Top-ranking executive at publicly-traded Fortune 100 company steps down after previously undisclosed consensual relationship with a colleague is discovered by management
Prominent physician faces accusations of sexual harassment and licensing board suspension
Private equity firm acquires national direct mail company and initiates emergency misappropriation of trade secret litigation following the sudden exodus of top staff who joined former CEO’s newly launched competing company
Sudden resignation of college President and related executive transition issues for the institution
Communications strategy and planning concerning mid-season executive transition of summer camp head
Sensitive transition planning following sudden resignation of pre-school director and announcement of new leader following allegations of sexual abuse of children by former teacher
Party retained by national athletic organization investigating claims of sexual abuse of Olympic athletes faces negative national media attention, U.S. Senate investigation and testimony, and potential litigation
Attorneys sought counsel, message development and media coaching amid their representation of the family of young man killed in one of the nation’s highest profile police shooting cases that led to city-wide riots, the growth of Black Lives Matter movement, civil litigation and police reform efforts
Internet provider dealing with arrest of its founder and CEO for soliciting sex from a minor and managing the impact of executive transition on key national business contracts and planned IPO
State bar association faces media and community scrutiny related to the arrest and ultimate conviction of its incoming President for sexual assault of a minor
Community philanthropic organization faces multiple executive transitions within a short period of time raising concerns among donors and recipient agencies
Announcement of board of Trustees selection of new college President following expedited national executive search
Non-profit mentoring organization in the midst of executive transition faces scrutiny of incoming leader due to his past handling of race-related issues
Longtime CEO of global manufacturing firm transitions to new startup venture
Medical clinic subjected to false attacks, distribution of false information, and harassment by local rating agency, threatening the viability of its practice
Debt collection industry leader facing false accusation of illegal collection tactics in litigation papers and media onslaught as allegations in the case go viral via national broadcast, print, and social media
Prestigious private boarding school investigated by state law enforcement agencies regarding claims by former students of sex abuse by former teacher
Well-known professional athletes dealing with negative media due to various criminal charges, civil litigation, and league disciplinary proceedings
Prominent political leader resigns post after inappropriate relationship with staffer
Professional athlete charged and tried for felony assault during peak of league season
CEO managing launch of new business venture amidst persistent internet exposure of prior business’ bankruptcy
Senior Executive facing negative media due to arrest and trial for indecent exposure
Senior Executive dealing with lawsuits and negative media due to former spouses’ embezzlement during the marriage
High-profile CEO of fortune 100 publicly-traded company involved in internet sex scandal
Broadcast, print, and internet defamation of television news reporter
Internet and blog defamation of retail food company
Internet defamation litigation concerning high-profile radio personality
The running of inflammatory and racially charged news story regarding a local childcare organization
Publicity issues pertaining to high-profile celebrity divorce proceedings
Strategic counsel and planning for CEO nominated for prestigious award

Case Study

A high-profile professional athlete became the subject of continuous negative publicity due to criminal charges, a civil lawsuit, and league disciplinary proceedings. Rotenberg Associates, Washington, DC and Minneapolis, developed a long-term reputation rehabilitation plan to help the athlete regain his standing with his teammates, league fans, and broader community.