Former Labour MP Chuka Umunna joins communications firm Edelman as executive director

Former Labour MP Chuka Umunna has been appointed as executive director and head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) consultancy offers at Edelman, the communications firm has announced.

The former Independent columnist and shadow business secretary under Ed Miliband’s leadership, will join ex-MP Luciana Berger, who was hired by the firm to lead its advocacy and public affairs team just last week.

Edelman said Mr Umunna’s new role will involve advising business leaders and managing environmental issues relating to corporate transactions.

Speaking about his appointment to the Evening Standard, Mr Umunna said: “I’m a capitalist but there are different varieties of capitalism than the one we have had up to now which just hasn’t been delivering the goods for enough people.

“If we’re to fundamentally change the model of capitalism we’ve got to ensure that the overwhelming majority of businesses are integrating ESG factors into corporate decision making like never before.”

In a statement, Mr Umunna, who lost his fight to win a parliamentary seat for the Liberal Democrats in December, added: “I’m honoured to be joining Edelman to lead its ESG consultancy offer.

He added: “Smithfield has a strong history of extensive consultancy work for companies and asset managers in the UK and internationally on the management of ESG factors.”

“When combined with the full breadth of the firm’s capabilities in corporate reputation, data and insights, creative and brand strategy, it truly differentiates Edelman from its competitors in this space.”

The former MP quit the Labour Party in 2019 to join the newly-formed Change UK before switching to the Liberal Democrat’s under Jo Swinson’s leadership of the unequivocally pro-EU party.

Ahead of the December snap election, Mr Umunna, a former corporate lawyer, vacated the safe Labour seat of Streatham to contest the Cities of London and Westminster constituency. Despite increasing the Lib Dems’ vote share by close to 20 per cent, Mr Umunna was defeated by Conservative rival Nickie Aiken.

Announcing Mr Umunna’s new position at Edelman, general manager Hugh Taggart said: “If we have learnt anything about business during the pandemic, it’s that they will undoubtedly be held to higher ethical standards.

“Anyone – including companies in the private sector – with the resources to help solve the problems society faces, will be expected to make a contribution.”

He continued: “In a time of such profound change, we couldn’t have found a better person than Chuka to spearhead our ESG offer and advise our clients. Chuka is a deep and analytical thinker, a passionate campaigner for a fairer society and joins Edelman at a time when Smithfield continues its rapid ascension as a leading adviser to many of the top global financial institutions.”

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