Dave Samson

Dave Samson is a globally recognized communicator who has held key leadership roles at some of the world’s most notable companies, including Chevron, Levi Strauss & Co., IBM, Oracle and Edelman.

Over the course of his career, Dave has managed complex communications on highly sensitive issues, including activist campaigns, major corporate litigation, product recalls, operating incidents, natural disasters, mergers and acquisitions and international policy matters. Communications teams under his leadership have set industry benchmarks in the design and execution of global integrated communications and advocacy campaigns.

Dave was an early pioneer in the use of data analytics and predictive modelling to advance the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement and issues management. He is a strong believer that the smart use of data and analytics should underpin all modern corporate affairs programs.

Most recently, Dave served as Edelman’s Global Vice Chairman, Corporate Affairs and U.S. Chief Operating Officer. In his role, Dave oversaw the firm’s U.S. operations, its global Corporate Affairs Practice and served as a senior client advisor.

Prior to Edelman, Dave was the long-time head of communications and public affairs at Chevron, where he was responsible for the company’s global communications strategies and activities, including corporate marketing and branding. Dave was also the head of worldwide communications for Levi Strauss & Co. and the international communications leader at IBM and Oracle. His previous agency experience includes being a partner and managing director at Ketchum Public Relations.

Dave is the past chairman of the Page Society, the world’s leading professional association for senior public relations and corporate communications executives. He is also past chairman of the Communications Committee for the American Petroleum Institute. In 2018, Dave was inducted into the Page and PRWeek Hall of Fames, two of the highest honors given in the communications field. Dave holds a B.A. in Journalism from Colorado State University.​

➔