Ballard Partners and Forward Global Announce Strategic Partnership
WASHINGTON, DC – Ballard Partners, a leading international lobbying firm, and Forward Global, a commercial and geopolitical risk advisory and public affairs firm with offices across the U.S. and Europe, today announced a strategic partnership that expands the reach and services of both firms for U.S. and international clients.
As part of the collaboration, Ballard will establish a presence in Paris and Brussels as part of the Ballard Global Alliance and Forward partner Mike Rubino will take on the additional role of Partner at Ballard – an industry first – to launch the joint endeavor. This will ensure seamless connectivity and execution for shared clients, enabling direct coordination of cross-border campaigns and unified strategic counsel on complex international issues.
“Companies today face policy challenges that don’t respect borders,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners. “A tariff decision in Washington ripples through Brussels, and E.U. data-privacy rules directly impact commercial decision-making in capitals across the U.S. and the world. This partnership gives our clients the strategic coherence they need across both sides of the Atlantic.”
The partnership brings together Ballard’s deep government relations expertise and Forward’s strength in risk management, public affairs, and strategic advisory, creating a fully integrated platform to help clients address political, regulatory, and reputational challenges worldwide. Ballard and Forward clients will receive unrivaled strategic advisory counsel that addresses interconnected U.S. and European policy decisions, particularly around trade, technology regulation, and sanctions regimes.
Forward Global brings established operations in Paris, Brussels, London, and Abidjan to complement Ballard’s Washington presence. The partnership also strengthens Forward Global’s U.S. footprint, which includes offices in Washington, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.
“Ballard Partners is one of the most respected names in Washington, and this partnership comes at a pivotal moment in our firm’s growth,” said John Procter, Managing Partner of Forward Global US. “When a client faces regulatory scrutiny in Washington, Brussels, or London, they need advisors who can coordinate and execute the most efficient and effective strategy to get the job done.”
Rubino’s dual-partner role represents a novel approach to cross-firm collaboration in the professional services sector.
“Most firms talk about international capabilities, but few can deliver truly integrated counsel,” said Rubino. “This structure ensures clients get consistent strategic advice whether they’re navigating Capitol Hill or the European Parliament, and without the typical coordination headaches of working with separate firms. By joining forces, we’re expanding what each firm can deliver and ensuring clients have the expertise and execution they need, wherever they need it.”
