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Robert Gibbs

EXCLUSIVE
  • Executive Vice President & Global Chief Communications Officer, McDonalds (2015-19)
  • Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery
  • Longtime Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama; White House Press Secretary (2009-2011)
  • MSNBC Commentator

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Top political advisor, communications expert, and trusted commentator Robert Gibbs offers audiences a unique perspective on today’s political, business, and media environment. A long-time senior advisor to President Barack Obama, Gibbs served as the White House Press Secretary from 2009-2011. After nearly a decade in Washington, he became Executive Vice President and Global Chief Communications Office of McDonald’s (2015-19). Following his departure, he became Senior Counsel at Bully Pulpit Interactive, where he focuses on executive communications, building social impact plans, and corporations’ responses to crises. Drawing on his experience as both a Washington insider and executive at one of the most recognizable companies in the world, Gibbs provides robust insights into everything from the economy and regulatory environment to healthcare reform.

With decades of communications experience at the highest levels, Gibbs brings a unique perspective to sought-after commentary and speaking engagements. He is a regular contributor for MSNBC and NBC News, as well as a co-host for the U.S. political podcast Hacks on Tap, alongside David Axelrod and Mike Murphy. Gibbs is uniquely positioned to lead brands, campaigns, and causes through times of immense change and strengthen reputations in a world which is constantly demanding more.

 


Robert Gibbs headshot
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Past Hosts Include:
  • Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center's Spirit of Hope Event and Roundtable Discussion
  • Regent University
  • Saint Xavier University
  • American University
  • The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers
  • TriZetto Group
  • Credit Union National
  • Marcus Evans
  • University of Delaware
  • Broadbent Institute
Rave Reviews About Robert Gibbs
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Robert was great! We had a packed room, and [he] provided our group with actionable lessons to take back with them.

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More rave reviews

"Robert was fantastic and did a fantastic job winning over our more conservative audience. "

-Illinois Farm Bureau

"It went fantastic! Sage was really excited by the conversation and really enjoyed both Robert and Karl! "

-Sage

"I was really happy with how things went! From my perspective, Robert was a great interview subject and really helped us define for the media the landscape of the work we're doing. His speech was really frank and well-crafted."

-Broadbent Institute

"Gibbs was great. He had an extremely well crafted program, made every effort to be approachable at the reception for our large donors and treated our audience to an insightful, at times humorous, view of the issues."

-Purdue North Central Sinai Forum

"It went wonderfully! Robert spoke very well at the dinner and was even more personal and engaging at the breakfast this morning with our major leaders. We would be delighted to have him speak again."

-Anti-Defamation League

"Everything went super smooth and Mr. Gibbs was a fantastic guest."

-University of Delaware

"Robert was amazing to work with and he was very accommodating to the audience and just a pleasure."

- Marcus Evans

"Thank you for helping us make the TriZetto Executive Vision Summit a truly engaging and dynamic forum for healthcare executives."

-TriZetto Executive Vision Summit

"Thank you for making our recent Regent University Clash of the Titans debate the best in the series so far."

- Regent University

"According to the students who participated in the classroom discussion, it was a wonderful experience as it was one of the most interactive classroom discussions that they have participated in with a speaker such as Mr. Gibbs. The students felt that Mr. Gibbs was genuinely interested in conversing with them...Mr. Gibbs captivated and entertained the audience of nearly 1,000...the audience was so enthralled with his remarks that one could have heard a pin drop."

- Saint Xavier University

"The debate between Robert Gibbs and Karl Rove was fascinating. They brought insight, energy and truly transformed the conference by giving the attendees a dual perspective of the issues at the forefront of the current political landscape. "

- The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers

"The event went incredibly well, and we enjoyed having Mr. Gibbs as a guest. "

- American University

"It was a real pleasure to have you as a speaker at the Latin America Business Leaders Summit. I want to compliment you on your presentation, which brought new insights and valuable information to the audience. "

- Citigroup Latin America

"Robert Gibbs spoke before an engaged audience of 1,000 at the Traffic Club of Pittsburgh's Annual Dinner. Gibbs highlighted stories from his time as Press Secretary in the Obama Administration and he also addressed the current political landscape. The group reported that he was 'personable' and had 'a great sense of humor.'"

-Traffic Club of Pittsburgh

"Robert was fantastic...We appreciated his presence tremendously and he added incredible importance to the debate...The spirited panel discussion was appreciated by the more than 2,000 people in attendance. "

- Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center's Spirit of Hope Event and Roundtable Discussion

"It went really well; he was a huge hit. The Q&A especially got great reviews (which probably makes sense given his former profession!)."

- Credit Union National
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Virtual Discussion - State of the country, Brand expectations, Virtual Conventions, and move to BPI | PRweekUS [15:52] - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Robert Gibbs
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The U.S. Political Landscape's Futures

Drawing on his decade of experience as a top advisor to President Barack Obama and a former White House Press Secretary (2009-11) as well as a top executive at McDonald’s (2015-19), ROBERT GIBBS provides an unvarnished look at today’s political landscape and what it means for the future. From servin ...

Drawing on his decade of experience as a top advisor to President Barack Obama and a former White House Press Secretary (2009-11) as well as a top executive at McDonald’s (2015-19), ROBERT GIBBS provides an unvarnished look at today’s political landscape and what it means for the future. From serving as press secretary for John Kerry’s presidential campaign, to communications director for four senate campaigns (including Obama’s), to communication chief for Obama’s 2008 presidential election, Gibbs is a true Washington insider who knows the ins and outs of what it takes to connect with voters and deliver on policy. As a former Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at McDonald’s, he knows how to translate his political insight into tangible takeaways for a corporate audience. He balances riveting anecdotes with shrewd analysis to provide a compelling look at our political future and what it means for businesses of every industry.

Cut Through the Noise: Building an Effective Communications Strategy

Renowned communications expert ROBERT GIBBS offers actionable lessons and eye-opening insight into what it takes to craft an effective communications strategy in today’s unpredictable media and political environment. Drawing on his unparalleled private and public sector experience as both a Washingt ...

Renowned communications expert ROBERT GIBBS offers actionable lessons and eye-opening insight into what it takes to craft an effective communications strategy in today’s unpredictable media and political environment. Drawing on his unparalleled private and public sector experience as both a Washington insider and former Press Secretary and communications executive at McDonald’s, Gibbs’ insights leave audiences with actionable, eye-opening, strategies and tools. Whether looking to better connect with clients, be strategic about messaging in moments of crisis, or authentically tell your brand’s story, Gibbs highlights the dos and don’ts of smart, compelling communications.

Navigating Washington's Complex Corporate Environment

ROBERT GIBBS draws on his extensive knowledge of the regulatory environment in Washington to deliver tactical insights that help organizations of every industry navigate today’s complex social and political times. Having served as both Executive Vice President at McDonald’s and a White House Press S ...

ROBERT GIBBS draws on his extensive knowledge of the regulatory environment in Washington to deliver tactical insights that help organizations of every industry navigate today’s complex social and political times. Having served as both Executive Vice President at McDonald’s and a White House Press Secretary, Gibbs brings his in-depth, first-hand, experience as both a Washington insider and executive at one of the most recognizable companies in the world to deliver prescient analysis on managing corporate interests amid uncertainty that will make a tangible difference to your organization.  

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Speaker News

Warner Bros. Discovery names Robert Gibbs Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer

Top political advisor, communications expert, and trusted commentator ROBERT GIBBS has been named Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery. His appointment to this newly created role has been preceeded by prestigious positions as Executive Vice President for Corporate Relations and Global Chief Communications Officer for McDonald’s, a tenure in the White House as the Obama Administration’s first White House Press Secretary, and multiple stints as Communications Director for Obama’s political campaigns.  David Zaslav, Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. said, “At this transformative time in our industry, Robert is the right leader to assume this new, critical global role as we continue to grow the Warner Bros. Discovery brand and presence around the world. I am thrilled to welcome him to WBD.”

Watch Robert Gibbs on PRWeek >>

Presidential Advisor & McDonald's Global CCO Robert Gibbs receives rave reviews for his live events

Political and corporate communications expert ROBERT GIBBS is uniquely positioned to offer groups guidance on navigating tough times, new trends in the industry, and building trust in a multi-stakeholder world. The long-time Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and former White House Press Secretary draws on his extensive knowledge of the regulatory environment in Washington to deliver tactical insights that help organizations of every industry navigate today’s complex social and political times:

  • Anti-Defamation League: “It went wonderfully! Robert spoke very well at the dinner and was even more personal and engaging at the breakfast this morning with our major leaders. We would be delighted to have him speak again." 
  • American University: "The event went incredibly well, and we enjoyed having Mr. Gibbs as a guest."
  • Purdue North Central Sinai Forum: “Gibbs was great. He had an extremely well-crafted program, made every effort to be approachable at the reception for our large donors and treated our audience to an insightful, at times humorous, view of the issues."

Watch Robert Gibbs on PRWeek >>

Robert Gibbs is a political and corporate communications cross-industry expert

Top communications and policy advisor to President Obama and former Global Chief Communications Officer at McDonald's ROBERT GIBBS now spends his timegroups reimagine their brands or amplify causes with an acute understanding of how the current political climate will impact their industry and efforts as Bully Pulpit Interactive Senior Counsel. Gibbs helps companies navigate this impassioned and vocalized climate, amplified by 24-hour cable news, social media campaigns, and national marketing efforts. Whether offering an engaging keynote or an uproarious and insightful point-counterpoint duo program, Gibbs reminds us how to agree to disagree in an increasingly fast-paced and complex world. 

Watch Robert Gibbs on PRWeek >>

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Press & Media
Duking it Out in Des Moines and the Non-Handshake from Hell - Hacks on Tap Podcast
Pre and Post Nevada Debate Commentary | MSNBC - MSNBC
Nevada Debate Analysis | Morning Joe - MSNBC Morning Joe
Bully Pulpit Interactive hires former Obama press secretary Robert Gibbs - PR Week
Robert Gibbs: ‘Donald Trump would love to run this campaign as if he wasn’t the incumbent president’ - MSNBC
Coffee Break with Bully Pulpit Interactive's Robert Gibbs - PR Week
Campaign vets Jen Palmieri and Robert Gibbs review Trump, Biden debate performances - NBC
Fmr. Obama aide Robert Gibbs: This is Biden's race to lose - NBC
Robert Gibbs: Joe Biden and the Challenge of a Presidential Transition during a Crisis (Conservative Conversations Podcast) - Ricochet
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Biography

A top advisor to President Obama for nearly a decade and the former Executive Vice President and Global Chief Communications Officer of McDonald's (2015-19), Robert Gibbs is a communication expert who offers audiences a unique perspective on today's political, business and media environment. Drawing on his experience as both a Washington insider and executive at one of the most recognizable companies in the world, Gibbs provides robust insights into everything from the economy and regulatory environment to healthcare reform.

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