CHICAGO — Patrick Hillmann, who recently helped launch Washington agency Sortie Group, has joined Edelman Chicago as an executive VP in its crisis and risk group.

Hillmann will serve as a senior advisor on crisis and risk management, reputation recovery and issue advocacy. His responsibilities also include conducting risk-vulnerability analysis and audits and working with executives on crisis preparedness and response.

Hillmann joins Edelman less than a year after launching Washington public affairs and communications firm Sortie Group with Tim Kelly, an international election, polling, and communications strategist who has worked with political leaders and private sector organizations across the world. Hillmann will remain a Sortie Group board member.

Previously, he led advocacy and public affairs initiatives for the National Association of Manufacturers and GE, and also worked for the European Commission within its Directorate General of External Relations.