Motion Picture Industry’s Top Lobbyist Patrick Kilcur Joins Ballard Partners as a Partner in Washington, D.C.

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Washington, DC – Ballard Partners, a leading national public affairs firm, is pleased to announce that Patrick Kilcur is joining the firm as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. Kilcur brings a wealth of experience in government relations and public policy, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs at the Motion Picture Association (MPA).

“Patrick is a highly respected and accomplished government affairs professional with a proven track record of success at the MPA,” said Brian Ballard, Founder and President of Ballard Partners. “Patrick’s long-standing relationships with leadership in the U.S. Senate and his expertise in the entertainment industry broaden our firm’s reach substantially in Washington and Hollywood. We are thrilled to welcome him to the firm.”

At the MPA, Kilcur oversaw all government relations functions and policy initiatives in the United States for the association and its member companies, including major Hollywood studios such as Walt Disney Studios, Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery and recently added Amazon Studios. He played a key role in representing the motion picture industry’s interests in the passage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, securing significant benefits for film and television production.

“I am excited to join Ballard Partners and contribute to the firm’s continued growth and success,” said Kilcur. “Ballard Partners has a well-earned reputation for excellence in government relations, and I look forward to working with Brian and the entire team to provide strategic counsel and deliver results for our clients. I also want to thank MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin and all my colleagues at the MPA for an incredibly rewarding 11 years at the Motion Picture Association.”

“Patrick has been a key policy voice, a keen strategist, and a critical leader for the MPA for more than a decade,” said Rivkin, the MPA’s Chairman and CEO. “The MPA is stronger today thanks to everything Patrick has achieved on behalf of our studios and our creative community, and we wish him well as he brings his stellar political acumen to Ballard Partners.

Prior to his tenure at the MPA, Kilcur served in the U.S. Senate, as Republican Floor Assistant to Senate Republican leadership, where he honed his legislative and negotiating skills on a wide range of issues and was a trusted advisor to all Senators and staff. Kilcur has been recognized for his leadership in government relations by The Hill, which named him a “Top Lobbyist” for seven consecutive years. Business Insider also recognized him as a Top Hollywood Power Player in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee on Taxation and serves on the board of the Family Online Safety Institute.

Ballard Partners Launches Latin American Presence through Strategic Partnership with Cefeidas Group

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Washington, DC – Ballard Partners, a premier U.S. lobbying firm, is proud to announce the expansion of the Ballard Global Alliance through a strategic partnership with Cefeidas Group in the Argentine Republic.

This partnership gives Ballard Partners a presence in Latin America, allowing its clients to experience seamless and effective public affairs services in the hemisphere. Through its synergy with Ballard’s offices, Cefeidas Group will enhance its operational capabilities and expand its presence in Washington, DC, along with other key U.S. hubs.

“We are delighted to partner with Cefeidas Group, a distinguished firm renowned for its excellence in Latin America. With a strong track record of delivering exceptional insights and client-centered solutions, Cefeidas Group aligns with our shared commitment to providing comprehensive services,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners. “Through this collaboration, both our firms will be positioned to offer premier services, granting our clients access to in-depth expertise and an expanded range of government affairs solutions in both the Southern Cone and the United States.”

The Ballard-Cefeidas Group collaboration will empower clients to navigate complex regulatory environments, build strategic relationships with key decision-makers, and explore new opportunities across the United States and Latin America.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ballard Partners. This partnership will increase our capacity to provide our clients with enhanced and unparalleled access to American markets, industries, and institutions,” said Juan Cruz Díaz, Managing Director of Cefeidas Group. “This is a pivotal time for Latin America, and our clients will be positioned to take full advantage of the cooperation throughout the hemisphere.”

The new partnership will allow both firms to provide a comprehensive suite of strategic services in the Southern Cone and the U.S., including:

● Public Policy Advocacy: Providing expert guidance on navigating legislative procedures and representing clients’ interests before lawmakers and regulatory agencies.
● Regulatory Affairs Analysis: Offering strategic advice on compliance with intricate regulations and navigating the rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
● Public Affairs: Crafting and executing comprehensive public affairs campaigns to influence public opinion and generate support for clients’ initiatives and goals.
● Risk and Crisis Management: Assessing regulatory and political developments that can affect clients’ interests and delivering rapid response strategies and effective communication plans to mitigate and manage crises that may affect clients’ reputations and operations.
● International Market Consulting: Offering expert guidance on entering new markets and navigating the complexities of international trade and investment regulations.

About the Ballard Global Alliance
The BGA is designed to meet the evolving needs of multinational corporations, trade associations, and other organizations operating in the international arena. By leveraging the collective strengths of its member firms, the BGA will provide clients with:

– Global Reach: Access to a network of experienced professionals with deep local knowledge and relationships in key markets.
– Seamless Service: Coordinated and integrated support across borders, ensuring a consistent and efficient experience.
– Strategic Expertise: Insights and guidance on navigating complex political, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.

Ballard Partners will continue to expand the BGA through strategic partnerships with leading firms in other key markets.

13th & Park” Launches Season 3

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October Lineup includes an MLB Hall of Famer,

Key U.S. Senator, and Major “Swing State” Journalists

Washington, DC – “13th & Park”, the digital media channel supported by more than 1.2-million subscribers, announced their third season begins Monday, October 7th with baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, United States Senator Steve Daines, and seven “swing state” journalists sharing insights on what it may take to win their states – and the Presidency.

The October guest list also includes recognized policy experts on immigration, foreign policy and the economy, issues considered central to the fall elections.

“’13th & Park’ provides a balanced, bipartisan forum for leaders and influencers working to impact the world around them,” said Ballard Partners President Brian Ballard. “We’re thrilled with the response to this digital channel because it shows that there is a real appetite for this kind of programming and open conversation.”

“We’re excited to kick off our third full season with such a timely lineup of influential voices,” said Adam Goodman, Partner and host of “13th & Park”. “From government and politics to sports and entertainment, there will be something for every taste and interest out there.”

Closing out an extraordinary Season 2, “13th & Park” grew by more than a million YouTube subscribers, added a second studio in West Hollywood, and featured eight United States Senators, current and former Governors, big league Hollywood producers, award-winning journalists and authors, and major players on the international scene.

All past and current episodes of the show are available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@13thandPark

Ballard Partners Expands Asia Presence with Strategic Partnership with The GR Company in the Republic of Korea

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Washington, DC – Ballard Partners, a leading U.S. lobbying firm, is proud to announce the expansion of the Ballard Global Alliance through a strategic partnership with The GR Company in the Republic of Korea. This partnership provides Ballard Partners with a footprint in Seoul and the GR Company will bolster its Washington, DC, capacity through the relationship with Ballard’s office in the nation’s capital and throughout the U.S.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with The GR Company, a firm that shares our commitment to excellence and client-focused solutions. This partnership will empower our clients to leverage the combined expertise and influence of two leading lobbying firms, opening new opportunities in Korea and the US,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners.

The Ballard-GR Company Korea Partnership will combine the extensive resources and expertise of both firms and provide exceptional advocacy and influence for clients across the Pacific. By joining forces, the two firms will expand their physical presence in Korea and the U.S. and be able to offer clients seamless access to a vast network of seasoned lobbyists, policymakers, and government relations professionals. This collaboration will enable clients to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, build relationships with key decision-makers and achieve their strategic objectives.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Ballard Partners, a US lobbying powerhouse. Through this partnership, we are able to offer our clients deeper and exceptional access to the American market at this critical point in time. This is a win-win for both firms and our clients, and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership,” said Jakob Edberg, CEO and President of The GR Company.

The new office-expansion partnership will allow both firms to provide a comprehensive suite of government relations services in Korea and the US, including:

● Legislative Advocacy: Expert guidance on navigating legislative

processes and advocating for clients’ interests before lawmakers and

regulatory bodies.

● Regulatory Affairs: Strategic counsel on compliance with complex

regulations and navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape.

● Public Affairs: Development and execution of comprehensive public

affairs campaigns to shape public opinion and build support for clients’

initiatives.

● Crisis Management: Rapid response and effective communication

strategies to mitigate and manage crises that could impact clients’

reputations and operations.

● International Market Access: Expert guidance on entering new

markets and navigating complex international trade and investment

regulations.

About the Ballard Global Alliance

The BGA is designed to meet the evolving needs of multinational corporations, trade associations, and other organizations operating worldwide. By leveraging the collective strengths of its member firms, the BGA will provide clients with:

1. Global Reach: Access to a network of experienced professionals with deep local  knowledge and relationships in key markets.

2. Seamless Service: Coordinated and integrated support across borders, ensuring a consistent and efficient experience.

3. Strategic Expertise: Insights and guidance on navigating complex political, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.

Ballard Partners will continue to expand the BGA through strategic partnerships with leading firms in other key markets.

SABI Strategy Group forms strategic partnership with two firms

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Ballard Partners teams up with top firms in U.K., Japan

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Ballard Partners Forms Strategic Alliances with KyodoPR in Japan and SABI Strategy Group in the United Kingdom

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Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific Partnerships Launch Ballard Global Alliance

Washington, D.C., Tokyo and London – Ballard Partners is pleased to announce the formation of exclusive strategic alliances with KyodoPR in Japan and SABI Strategy Group in the United Kingdom. These partnerships mark the launch of the Ballard Global Alliance (BGA), a network designed to provide unparalleled government relations and public affairs services in key international markets.

Japan: KyodoPR. KyodoPR, a premier public affairs firm in Japan, offers strategic communication and government relations counsel to a distinguished roster of domestic and international clients. The firm is renowned for its deep understanding of the Japanese political landscape and its ability to develop and execute effective communication campaigns. 

United Kingdom: SABI Strategy Group.Founded in 2015, SABI Strategy Group is a leading strategic communications firm based in London. SABI provides public relations, campaign management, research, and government advocacy services to a diverse clientele, including governments, political parties, multinational corporations, development organizations, and family offices.

Through these exclusive partnerships, clients of KyodoPR and SABI Strategy Group will benefit from Ballard Partners’ bipartisan team of lobbyists in Washington, D.C., and across the United States. Conversely, Ballard Partners’ global clients will gain unprecedented access to the expertise of KyodoPR’s consultants in Japan and SABI’s consultants in the United Kingdom. This alliance allows clients to leverage the extensive industry knowledge, expertise, and cultural acumen of both firms, enabling them to navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve their strategic objectives.

“We are honored and excited to partner with KyodoPR and SABI Strategy Group, both of whom are impressive and leading firms in their countries,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners. “This collaboration further strengthens our ability to serve our clients by providing unparalleled service across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.”

“We are confident that this partnership will be instrumental in providing our clients with excellent insight and assistance in the US market,” said Tetsuya Tani, President of KyodoPR. “By combining our expertise, we can offer our clients a truly comprehensive suite of services to support their business objectives.”

“By joining forces with Ballard Partners, we are solidifying our commitment to delivering unparalleled strategic counsel and support to our clients as they navigate the complexities of the American market,” said Henry Sands, Founder and Managing Director of SABI Strategy Group. “By combining our expertise, we can offer our clients a truly comprehensive suite of services to support their business objectives and navigate the evolving geopolitical environment.”

Each firm will continue to operate independently under its existing management teams while sharing offices and facilities.

About the Ballard Global Alliance

The BGA is designed to meet the evolving needs of multinational corporations, trade associations, and other organizations operating worldwide. By leveraging the collective strengths of its member firms, the BGA will provide clients with:

1. Global Reach: Access to a network of experienced professionals with deep local   knowledge and relationships in key markets.

2. Seamless Service: Coordinated and integrated support across borders, ensuring a consistent and efficient experience.

3. Strategic Expertise: Insights and guidance on navigating complex political, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.

Ballard Partners will continue to expand the BGA through strategic partnerships with leading firms in other key markets.

Contact:

Justin Sayfie, Ballard Partners, [email protected]

Katsuya Watanabe, KyodoPR

Henry Sands, SABI Strategy Group

Ballard sets up shop in Riyadh

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Ballard Partners Expands Global Presence with New Office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Washington, DC – Ballard Partners, a leading U.S. lobbying and public affairs firm, today announced the opening of its new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the firm’s commitment to providing strategic counsel and advocacy services to clients operating in the dynamic Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

“The opening of our Riyadh office is a testament to our firm’s continued growth and our dedication to serving clients on a global scale,” said Brian Ballard, Founder and President of Ballard Partners. “After meeting with government officials during my recent trip to the region, I am confident in the success of the Kingdom’s strategic framework for reform, Saudi Vision 2030. Our presence in Riyadh will allow us to better serve our clients’ interests in the region and beyond.”

Leading the firm’s Riyadh office and MENA practice is Jasmine Zaki, an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in international law and a deep understanding of the Middle East and North Africa region. Zaki brings a wealth of expertise to Ballard Partners, having previously served as Senior Counsel at Bechtel and as an international law practitioner at a leading international law firm, advising clients on investment and market entry in the MENA region. Zaki also serves as Chair of the Board of the Middle East Policy Council and is a media contributor as a subject matter expert on current events in the Middle East.

“I am thrilled to be joining Ballard Partners and leading the firm’s new office in Riyadh,” said Zaki. “The MENA region is undergoing rapid transformation, and I look forward to working with our clients to navigate this complex landscape.”

Joining Zaki as partners in the Riyadh office are Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al-Meleihi and former Congressman Robert Wexler.

Al-Meleihi is Chairman of Al-Ramez International Group and Chairman of its subsidiary, Saudi Excellence Holding Company. Al-Ramez International Group has investment activities in the Kingdom as well as abroad in real estate, agriculture, security, entertainment, construction, telecom and marketing, renewable energy and retail. The cornerstone of the group are its investments in new and developmental technology in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan, and Al-Meleihi’s companies are attracting foreign companies to start up in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Meleihi is a member of the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was chairman of the Saudi-Singapore Business Council from 2006 to 2017.

“I am honored to join Ballard Partners at this pivotal moment as the firm establishes a presence in Riyadh,” said Sheikh Abdullah. “The opportunities for increased commerce and investment in the region and the U.S. are unlimited, and I look forward to assisting the firm’s clients unlock those opportunities.”

Wexler served as a Democratic Member of Congress representing Florida’s 19th district from 1997 to 2010. During his tenure in Congress, Wexler served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, a senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the Middle East Subcommittee. Wexler currently serves as the President of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace in Washington, D.C.

“I look forward to helping our clients navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of the Middle East. This region holds immense potential for growth and collaboration, and I am committed to leveraging my experience and relationships to pursue valuable opportunities on behalf of our clients.”