Rob Leggat Email & Phone Number

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Bent Tree Advocacy is an internatioinal full-service advocacy firm that helps organizations and individuals achieve their goals through issue or campaign management.

Washinton D.C. Metro Area

Washington D.C. Metro Area

As part of renowned Goddard Gunster Public Affairs leadership team, responsible for the design and execution of large-scale issue advocacy plans both domestic and internatonal. I oversee research, horizon scanning, strategic counsel, message development, issue advocacy, coalition building, grass roots and outreach, branding, mergers and acquisitions, public relations and material development. Client industries range from automotive to energy, from governments to industry associations, and… Show more As part of renowned Goddard Gunster Public Affairs leadership team, responsible for the design and execution of large-scale issue advocacy plans both domestic and internatonal. I oversee research, horizon scanning, strategic counsel, message development, issue advocacy, coalition building, grass roots and outreach, branding, mergers and acquisitions, public relations and material development. Client industries range from automotive to energy, from governments to industry associations, and from charitable organizations to financial institutions. Share responsibility for the Goddard Gunster Institute, one of the premier issue advocacy institutions in the world. Currently oversee projects for major international corporations and multi-national association in the United States, United Kingdom, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and South America. Show less

Bentonville, Arkansas Usa

Served as officer, vice president in charge of international corporate affairs. Oversaw government relations and traditional corporate affairs in 15 markets overseas. Partnered as member of company’s International Leadership Council, contributing to formulation of international growth strategy, management of day-to-day issues occurring around world, establishment of global thinking throughout company, and transference of company culture internationally. Led corporate affairs team responsible… Show more Served as officer, vice president in charge of international corporate affairs. Oversaw government relations and traditional corporate affairs in 15 markets overseas. Partnered as member of company’s International Leadership Council, contributing to formulation of international growth strategy, management of day-to-day issues occurring around world, establishment of global thinking throughout company, and transference of company culture internationally. Led corporate affairs team responsible for public, media and government relations, community and corporate social responsibility, executive outreach and policy shaping and global trade in addition to developing professional, high-performing teams around world. Initiated a number of global strategic platforms around sustainability, global development, women’s empowerment, trade and international giving. • Advised on mergers and acquisitions in new markets, from China to Russia to India, as well as in existing high-growth markets around world. Provided strategic counsel on globalization of company. • Counseled, advised and preconditioned new markets for entry via acquisition, merger and greenfield. Interacted with high-level government officials in United States as well as around world. • Advised and counseled 15 country international corporate affairs roles within company, including leading ten-member global communication strategy team. • Instituted $8,000,000 global international giving program, identifying global partners and processes. • Expanded 1,000,000-farmer China Direct Farm program to global program, doubling amount of farmers involved. • Initiated $1,000,000 global small manufacturer program. • Played key role in researching, investigating and preconditioning three key markets for acquisitions. • Developed and implemented internal/external global women’s program on behalf of company. • Created global trade position to monitor and track, influence and leverage global trade agreements. Show less

Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai, Bangkok

Oversaw communications and public policy for GM China, GM Daewoo and region. Led team of 80 public policy and PR professionals in 14 countries. Held responsibility for company’s image in region as well as for providing strategic counsel and tactical assistance on governmental and regulatory issues on U.S. and local side. Coordinated crisis management in region for recalls, layoffs, fires, union issues, bomb threats, kidnappings, impromptu policy changes and inaccurate press reports. Led… Show more Oversaw communications and public policy for GM China, GM Daewoo and region. Led team of 80 public policy and PR professionals in 14 countries. Held responsibility for company’s image in region as well as for providing strategic counsel and tactical assistance on governmental and regulatory issues on U.S. and local side. Coordinated crisis management in region for recalls, layoffs, fires, union issues, bomb threats, kidnappings, impromptu policy changes and inaccurate press reports. Led communication and policy initiatives for area markets including plant openings/closings, acquisitions, divestitures, product launches and crises. Contributed to GM negotiating team, facilitating communication and government relations for acquisition of Daewoo Motor Company, alliance formation with Suzuki Motor Corporation, equity purchase of Fuji Heavy Industry and equity increase of Isuzu. Earned five Chairman’s Honor Awards and PRSA’s Top International Award for PR Excellence. • Served on three corporate strategy boards: GM Global Communications, GM Asia Pacific and GM China. Contributed to running and growth of business beyond traditional functional responsibilities. • Acquired Daewoo Motors at price tag $6,000,000,000 lower than originally accepted Ford offer. Contributed to winning government support and public approval of acquisition. • Played key role in mergers and acquisitions of Suzuki, Subaru and Isuzu. • Partnered in key role in divestiture of Suzuki, Subaru and Isuzu. Implemented aggressive unplanned media campaign for Subaru, earning company additional $225,000,000. • Earned number one/two corporate image position in Asia Pacific markets in which company conducted business. Show less

Mass Communication, Rhetoric, Summa Cum Laude

Mba, International Business