Brussels, July 14, 2025: Robert McLeod has joined APCO’s Competition and M&A practice as head of Europe. This announcement was made by APCO CEO Brad Staples. McLeod will work with Brussels Managing Director Carmen Bell to enhance APCO’s offerings in competition and mergers and acquisitions.
McLeod brings with him three decades of experience in international policy implementation and antitrust enforcement. His career began in the energy sector before he spent 13 years at Bloomberg News covering various financial sectors. He later founded MLex Market Insight, leading its growth internationally until its acquisition by LexisNexis in 2015.
Staples commented on the appointment: “Companies today face a new reality as merger and competition reviews are being transformed by increased political and stakeholder interference, particularly in Europe where geopolitical shifts are influencing policies and decisions aimed at preserving global competitiveness. Our clients are increasingly asking us to partner with them during business-critical moments to overcome regulatory, political and communications challenges. I am excited to have Robert join our team of world-class competition and M&A advisors to help our clients navigate today’s complex and fast-moving environment.”
Since its inception in 1995, APCO has provided strategic counsel from its Brussels office, serving a diverse clientele including businesses, governments, law firms, banks, and non-profits worldwide. The office is expanding its expertise in integrated public affairs and communications campaigns.
APCO’s dedicated competition and M&A team includes professionals such as Benjamin Faull for Global Competition and M&A; Tea Moravek for EU Competition; Pamela Passman as chair of Corporate; Rachel Brandenburger for global senior advisory roles; Kathleen Foote for regulatory policy advice; Michelle Therrien for corporate transformation; Billy Clegg for Financial Communications in London; Fred Cornet for Dubai communications; along with John Defterios, former CNN International anchor.
