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Jeff Hunt (Austin, TX) is chief executive officer of GCI Group, a leading global public relations firm with 650 associates in 57 offices and 27 countries. His blend of insightful industry expertise, commitment to client relationships and his hands-on style of leadership led to his rapid rise to the top tier of communications professionals worldwide.
During the course of more than 20 years in the public relations profession, Jeff has conceived of and directed diverse, major communications initiatives for some of the world’s leading business organizations. He is an experienced international marketing and communications expert, having lived and worked in every major region of the world. He has counseled CEOs and other top executives at numerous multinational clients including American Express, AT&T, Coca-Cola, Dell, DuPont, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, and Motorola. He is widely recognized for his crisis management and media training expertise. In addition, he has worked extensively with world class athletes, including Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Vince Young, among others.
Jeff came to GCI Group in 2001 following the firm’s acquisition of Read-Poland Associates, for which he served as president and CEO until December 2005. Previously, he had an 18-year tenure with Burson-Marsteller, ascending the ranks and ultimately working in London as chief operating officer for Europe, with responsibility for 16 offices throughout the continent. In addition, he served both in London and in New York as Vice Chairman of Client Services Worldwide. He also established the firm’s presence in Korea and Mexico, living in each country for three years.
Jeff holds a bachelor of journalism, with honors, from The University of Texas at Austin. In addition, he is a member of several notable industry and business groups, including the Public Relations Society of America. He currently serves on the boards of the Texas Public Relations Association and the Institute for Public Relations. In addition to his business association involvement, Jeff is very active in civic affairs serving on the boards of Ballet Austin and The Blanton Museum of Art.
He and his wife, Anne, and family reside in Austin, Texas. Jeff is an adjunct professor at The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Communication and a guest lecturer in the University’s McCombs School of Business.