Former L.A. mayor secures job with global public relations firm

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has taken on yet another job, this time as a senior advisor with the public relations firm Edelman, the company announced Tuesday.

Katie Burke, Edelman’s global public affairs chairwoman, said the mayor, who left office on June 30, is “not coming on board for any specific client or project.”

“Edelman works on a variety of issues, from energy to transportation to healthcare to technology, and he has experience around these and other public policy issues that will be a benefit to all of our clients,” she said.

Villaraigosa has already been hired by nutritional products maker Herbalife Ltd., which has been battling allegations that it runs a pyramid scheme, and by Banc of California Inc., a community bank. Earlier this year, he began receiving a government pension from the city totaling $8,115 a month, or more than $97,000 annually.

Edelman has 67 offices and more than 4,800 employees worldwide, as well as affiliates in more than 30 cities. During his eight years as mayor, Villaraigosa’s public relations skills included his use of Twitter, frequent public appearances and even the use of confetti cannons to mark his policy and legislative victories.

In a statement, Villaraigosa said he is excited to join the public affairs firm. “I look forward to contributing my unique perspective and experience in navigating resolutions and driving key initiatives for Edelman’s clients,” he said.

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