SKDKnickerbocker (SKDK) is enhancing and expanding its research capabilities with the addition of Alex Braun as managing director and head of SKDK’s corporate and public policy research practice. SKDK’s research division will offer a suite of research services to the firm’s corporate and nonprofit clients, including polling, focus groups, IDIs and cutting edge social and digital analytics capabilities. The firm will continue to work with an array of talented Democratic research firms for its political clients and campaigns.
Braun is an award-winning strategist specializing in research-based consulting and is a renowned international political consultant. He is an expert in a wide range of polling and market research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative. He has conducted hundreds of studies that have dealt with message testing, competitive positioning, brand architecture and audience segmentation. Prior to joining SKDK, Braun spent more than a decade at Penn Schoen Berland, most recently as its senior vice president.
“SKDKnickerbocker is excited to welcome Alex Braun to the firm and to expand our research-based consulting services,” said Hilary Rosen, DC SKDK managing director. “Alex is an expert in translating research into actionable communications strategies that span everything from brand positioning and corporate reputation management to public affairs and crisis management.”
New York Managing Director Jennifer Cunningham added, “This investment will enhance our ability to meet our clients’ needs by allowing us to analyze the views and opinions of the public so we can craft winning messages that resonate with their target audiences. Alex will be a tremendous addition to our already talented team of strategists in Albany, New York City, DC and Los Angeles.”
“I’m excited to join the talented strategists at SKDKnickerbocker, who have worked with the nation’s top companies, non-profits, foundations, and political campaigns to identify their key targets and uncover their most compelling messages,” said Alex Braun. “Strong and actionable research is the foundation of all strategic communications and public affairs efforts. I look forward to sharing my expertise and experience to help SKDK’s diverse portfolio of clients achieve their goals.”
SKDK has worked with some of the nation’s biggest companies and advocacy organizations to find their key targets and uncover their most compelling messages. The firm helped American Express better understand its prospective Green and Gold Card customers. SKDK also helped Allstate track its brand among consumers and prospective consumers, and improve communication with consumers and key stakeholders regarding the impact of business practices. Additionally, SKDK helped NRG Energy better understand its competitive position in selling energy to consumers in Texas, as well as how to communicate its critical public policy goals in Washington. SKDK has also worked on behalf of several progressive women’s rights groups, including Planned Parenthood, the National Women’s Law Center, and the National Partnership for Women & Families.
About SKDKnickerbocker:
SKDKnickerbocker is one of the top communications, political consulting and advertising firms in the country and brings unparalleled strategic communications experience to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, labor unions and political committees and candidates. The firm, which was named the Holmes Report’s 2015 Public Affairs Agency of the Year, has offices in Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles and Albany, N.Y. There is no company that better understands the intersection of press, politics and policy. SKDKnickerbocker offers guidance on how to manage a crisis, protect a brand, advocate for an issue or win an election.
More About Alex Braun:
In 2015, the American Association of Political Consultants named Braun among its “40 under 40.” A year before, the organization chose him as its International Campaign Consultant of the Year, the most prestigious industry award. Forbes magazine called him a “campaign magician.” He has co-authored two books, spoken at conferences and taught university courses on campaigns and strategy.
Prior to joining SKDK, Braun spent more than a decade at Penn Schoen Berland, most recently as its senior vice president. His earlier professional experience includes journalism and public relations. Braun is a Fulbright scholar and holds a master’s in political campaign management from New York University, a master’s in international relations from Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, and a bachelor’s in the same field from Charles University in Prague.
To learn more about Alex, visit here.
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