LONDON—Edelman has hired APCO veteran Stephanie Lvovich as its new global public affairs head, as the firm aims to turn the practice into a worldwide source of growth.

Lvovich, who previously oversaw APCO's global food and consumer products practice, will remain based in London, reporting to Ben Boyd, who was recently named president of Edelman's practices, sectors and offerings. She takes on a role that has remained vacant since the departure of Katie Burke to Nielsen at the start of this year.

Lvovich departs APCO after almost nine years with the agency in London. She is the second senior executive to leave the firm's London office in recent months, following the departure of Ed Walsh to Philips.

“Stephanie’s expertise in corporate reputation and positioning, international public affairs strategy and execution at all levels of government, and trade association creation and management will be incredibly valuable to our firm, our practice and our clients,” said Boyd.

Before joining APCO, Lvovich was managing director for EU public affairs at Citigate Global Consulting Group.

“Her past experience driving growth in key areas is very impressive and we look forward to her bringing that to Edelman, specifically to our data analytics, creative and sector alignment initiatives,” added Boyd.

To further bolster the public affairs practice, Matt Wagner, a GM in the Washington DC office and a senior strategist in Edelman’s global energy practice, has been named regional chair of public affairs in the US.

Wagner is tasked with will leading efforts to expand the firm's capabilities in integrated advocacy campaigns, including data analytics, micro-targeting and grassroots mobilization and help support public affairs clients in key US markets and sectors.