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{{Short description|American public relations executive (1931–2021)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Bob Leaf
| name = Bob Leaf
| image =
| image = Bob Leaf.jpg
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1931|08|09}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1931|08|09}}
| birth_place = [[New York City]], [[United States]]
| birth_place = New York City, US
| death_date = {{death date and age|2021|6|10|1931|8|9}}
| birth_name = Robert Stephen Leaf
| death_place =
| occupation = {{Plainlist|
| occupation = {{Plainlist|
* CEO Robert S Leaf Consultants
* CEO Robert S Leaf Consultants
* former International Chairman of [[Burson-Marsteller]]
* former International Chairman of [[Burson-Marsteller]]
}}
}}
⚫
| alma_mater = [[University of Missouri]]
| nationality = [[United States people|United States]]
| residence = [[London]], [[England]]
⚫
| alma_mater = [[University of Missouri-Columbia]]
}}
}}


'''Robert Stephen "Bob" Leaf''' (born August 9, 1931) is an international public relations executive. He has been hailed as "The father of public relations" and is best known for creating the international network of offices which made [[Burson-Marsteller]] the world’s largest public relations firm in the 1980s, where he eventually rose to be International Chairman. [[Debrett's]] have recognised him as one of Britain’s 500 most influential people.
'''Robert Stephen Leaf''' ( August 9, 1931 – June 10, 2021) was an American public relations executive. He is best known for creating the international network of offices which made [[Burson-Marsteller]] the world's largest public relations firm in the 1980s, where he eventually rose to be international chairman. [[Debrett's]] have recognised him as one of Britain's 500 most influential people.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Leaf, international PR pioneer, dies at 89 |url=https://www.prweek.com/article/1719528/robert-leaf-international-pr-pioneer-dies-89 |work=PR Week |access-date=13 August 2021}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
==Early life==


Leaf was born in New York City on August 9, 1931.<ref name="DebrettPoT">{{cite web|url=http://www.debretts.com/people-of-today-profile?person=7441|title=Robert Leaf, Esq Authorised Biography - Debrett's People of Today|publisher=Debrett's|access-date=17 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923220237/http://www.debretts.com/people-of-today-profile?person=7441|archive-date=23 September 2015|df=}}</ref> He attended [[Stuyvesant High School]] in [[Manhattan]].{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
Leaf was born in [[New York City]] on August 9, 1931. He attended [[Stuyvesant High School]] in [[Manhattan]].


=== Education ===
===Education===


After high school Bob enrolled in the School of Journalism at the [[University of Missouri]],<ref name="UoM-1">{{cite web|url=http://journalism.missouri.edu/alum/robert-s-leaf/|title=Robert S. Leaf|last=Mansur|first=Kathryn|publisher=[[University of Missouri]]|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref> the world’s first school of journalism. Initially he was interested in pursuing a career in sports journalism, but after attending classes in advertising and public relations he decided that was where his future lay.<ref name="UoM-1" /> At college, Leaf also developed a keen interest in history and international relations and, after receiving his bachelor of journalism degree with honors in 1952,<ref name="UoM-2" /><ref name="Marriott" /> he received an MA with honors in history in 1954.<ref name="UoM-2" /><ref name="Marriott" /><ref name="PRW">{{cite web|url=http://www.prweek.com/article/1207244/pr-evolved-50-years|title=How PR has evolved in 50 years|last=Leaf|first=Bob|date=16 August 2013|work=[[PR Week]]|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>
After high school Leaf enrolled in the [[Missouri School of Journalism|School of Journalism]] at the [[University of Missouri]],<ref name="UoM-1">{{cite web|url=http://journalism.missouri.edu/alum/robert-s-leaf/|title=Robert S. Leaf|last=Mansur|first=Kathryn|publisher=[[University of Missouri]]|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref> the world's first school of journalism. Initially he was interested in pursuing a career in sports journalism, but after attending classes in advertising and public relations he decided that was where his future lay.<ref name="UoM-1" /> At college, Leaf also developed a keen interest in history and international relations and, after receiving his bachelor of journalism degree with honors in 1952,<ref name="UoM-2" /><ref name="Marriott" /> he received an MA with honors in history in 1954.<ref name="UoM-2" /><ref name="Marriott" /><ref name="PRW">{{cite web|url=http://www.prweek.com/article/1207244/pr-evolved-50-years|title=How PR has evolved in 50 years|last=Leaf|first=Bob|date=16 August 2013|work=[[PR Week]]|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>


=== The Army ===
===Army===


After graduation, Leaf served in the US Army for two years.<ref name="UoM-1" /> After boot camp he was posted to army headquarters at [[Orleans, France]] as an information and education specialist,<ref name="Marriott" /> who lectured to the troops.<ref name="UoM-1" /> Among his subjects were the different cultural attitudes they would encounter while stationed overseas, and how best to get on with the British, French and Germans.
After graduation, Leaf served in the [[United States Army]] for two years.<ref name="UoM-1" /> After [[United States Army Basic Training|basic training]], he was posted to [[Fort Eustis]], Virginia for a few months, then army headquarters at [[Orléans]], France as an information and education specialist,<ref name="Marriott" /> who lectured to the troops.<ref name="UoM-1" /> Among his subjects were the different cultural attitudes they would encounter while stationed overseas, and how best to get on with the British, French and Germans.


== Burson-Marsteller ==
==Burson-Marsteller==


Leaf moved back to the US in 1956 and went to live with his widowed mother in New York, while searching for a job. For a short while he worked for a show business publicist where his main clients included [[Milton Berle]], who helped start television in the U.S., [[Tony Bennett]] and [[Pearl Bailey]]. He then obtained an interview with a small PR firm called Burson-Marsteller which was looking for its first trainee, and got the job.<ref name="UoM-1" />
Leaf moved back to the United States in 1956 and went to live with his widowed mother in New York, while searching for a job. For a short while he worked for a show business publicist where his main clients included [[Milton Berle]], who helped start television in the United States, [[Tony Bennett]] and [[Pearl Bailey]]. He then obtained an interview with a small PR firm called Burson-Marsteller which was looking for its first trainee, and got the job.<ref name="UoM-1" />


He joined Burson-Marsteller on July 1, 1957, alongside its then six executives.<ref name="UoM-1" /> The business grew rapidly and soon Leaf was promoted and given assistants, one of whom was [[Mary Travers]] - soon far better known as the Mary in the vocal group [[Peter, Paul and Mary]].<ref name="Perception">{{cite book|last=Leaf|first=Robert|title=The Art of Perception, Memoirs of a Life in PR|year=2012|publisher=[[Atlantic Books]]|isbn=978-0857890023}}</ref>
He joined Burson-Marsteller on July 1, 1957, alongside its then six executives.<ref name="UoM-1" /> The business grew rapidly and soon Leaf was promoted and given assistants, one of whom was [[Mary Travers]] – soon far better known as the Mary in the vocal group [[Peter, Paul and Mary]].<ref name="Perception">{{cite book|last=Leaf|first=Robert|title=The Art of Perception, Memoirs of a Life in PR|url=https://archive.org/details/artofperceptionm0000leaf|url-access=registration|year=2012|publisher=[[Atlantic Books]]|isbn=978-0857890023}}</ref>


Harold Burson had also been stationed overseas in the army and felt that it offered great opportunities for the firm to represent US clients there. He appointed Leaf head of international operations and, in 1975, he was sent to [[Brussels]] on a one year assignment. Three years later he was transferred to London, where he still resides.<ref name="UoM-1" />
Harold Burson had also been stationed overseas in the army and felt that it offered great opportunities for the firm to represent American clients there. He appointed Leaf head of international operations and, in 1965, he was sent to [[Brussels]] on a one-year assignment. Three years later he was transferred to London, where he still resided.<ref name="UoM-1" />


=== Overseas growth ===
===Overseas growth===


Credited as "the father of public relations",<ref name="Debrett-PR" /> Leaf went on to create a global network of offices which helped Burson-Marsteller become the world’s biggest PR firm during his tenure.<ref name="Perception" />
Credited as "the father of public relations",<ref name="Debrett-PR" /> Leaf went on to create a global network of offices which helped Burson-Marsteller become the world's biggest PR firm during his tenure.<ref name="Perception" />


After giving a speech in Moscow, B-M was hired by [[Vneshtorgreklama]], the Russian state advertising agency during the Cold War, and helped set up the first PR firm in the Soviet Union.<ref name="UoM-1" /> Leaf also signed a partnership agreement with the Chinese government in the [[Great Hall of the People]] to establish the first official Chinese Government PR firm.<ref name="UoM-1" /><ref name="Marriott">{{cite web|url=http://www.prweek.com/article/746872/profile-bob-leaf-chairman-robert-s-leaf-consultants|title=PROFILE: Bob Leaf, Chairman, Robert S Leaf Consultants|last=Marriott|first=Hannah|date=17 October 2007|work=[[PR Week]]|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref> He launched the first international PR firm in the Middle East and started Burson-Marsteller offices throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Australia.
After giving a speech in Moscow, B-M was hired by [[Vneshtorgreklama]], the Russian state advertising agency during the Cold War, and helped set up the first PR firm in the Soviet Union.<ref name="UoM-1" /> Leaf also signed a partnership agreement with the Chinese government in the [[Great Hall of the People]] to establish the first official Chinese Government PR firm.<ref name="UoM-1" /><ref name="Marriott">{{cite web|url=http://www.prweek.com/article/746872/profile-bob-leaf-chairman-robert-s-leaf-consultants|title=PROFILE: Bob Leaf, Chairman, Robert S Leaf Consultants|last=Marriott|first=Hannah|date=17 October 2007|work=[[PR Week]]|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref> He launched the first international PR firm in the Middle East and started Burson-Marsteller offices throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Australia.


In 1997, after 40 years with Burson-Marsteller, he stood down as their International chairman and established his own firm, Robert S. Leaf Consultants,<ref name="Marriott" /> which is based in the Burson-Marsteller building in London.<ref name="UoM-1" /> He still advises Burson-Marsteller.<ref name="Marriott" />
In 1997, after 40 years with Burson-Marsteller, he stood down as their International chairman and established his own firm, Robert S. Leaf Consultants,<ref name="Marriott" /> which is based in the Burson-Marsteller building in London.<ref name="UoM-1" /> He still advised Burson-Marsteller.<ref name="Marriott" />


==Awards==
==Awards==


In 2000, Leaf was given the [[Chartered Institute of Public Relations]] first ever 'Alan Campbell Award', for outstanding contributions to international public relations<ref name="UoM-1" /> and, in 2011, he received journalism's highest award Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service to Journalism from his alma mater, the [[University of Missouri]].<ref name="UoM-2" /> Previous recipients include [[Tom Brokaw]], [[Walter Cronkite]], [[George Gallup]] and [[Sir Winston Churchill]]. He is listed in [[Who's Who in America]],<ref name="UoM-1" /> [[Who's Who in the World]],<ref name="UoM-1" /> Debrett's People of Today<ref name="UoM-1" /> and in 2013 the [[American Biographical Institute]] named him "One of the Great Minds of the 21st Century". In January 2014, they included him in 'The Debrett’s 500', a list of people considered by them as Britain's 500 most influential people.<ref name="Debrett-PR">{{cite web|url=http://www.debretts.com/people/debretts-500/pr|title=PR|publisher=[[Debrett's]]|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="UoM-2">{{cite web|url=http://journalism.missouri.edu/2014/01/alumnus-robert-s-leaf-named-one-britains-500-influential-people/|title=Alumnus Robert S. Leaf Named One of Britain's 500 Most Influential People - Missouri School of Journalism|publisher=University of Missouri|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>
In 2000, Leaf was given the [[Chartered Institute of Public Relations]] first ever 'Alan Campbell Award', for outstanding contributions to international public relations<ref name="UoM-1" /> and, in 2011, he received journalism's highest award Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service to Journalism from his alma mater, the [[University of Missouri]].<ref name="UoM-2" /> Previous recipients include [[Tom Brokaw]], [[Walter Cronkite]], [[George Gallup]] and [[Sir Winston Churchill]]. He is listed in [[Who's Who in America]],<ref name="UoM-1" /> [[Who's Who in the World]],<ref name="UoM-1" /> Debrett's People of Today.<ref name="UoM-1" /> In January 2014, he was included in 'The Debrett's 500', a list of people considered by them as Britain's 500 most influential people.<ref name="UoM-2">{{cite web|url=http://journalism.missouri.edu/2014/01/alumnus-robert-s-leaf-named-one-britains-500-influential-people/|title=Alumnus Robert S. Leaf Named One of Britain's 500 Most Influential People - Missouri School of Journalism|publisher=University of Missouri|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Debrett-PR">{{cite web|url=http://www.debretts.com/people/debretts-500/pr|title=PR|publisher=[[Debrett's]]|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>


==Books==
==Books==


In 2012, Leaf published his memoirs, ''The Art of Perception''.<ref name="Perception" /> It was described in The Reality Gap as<ref name="TRG">{{cite journal|date=October 13, 2012|journal=The Reality Gap}}</ref>:
In 2012, Leaf published his memoirs, ''The Art of Perception''.<ref name="Perception" /> It was described in The Reality Gap as:<ref name="TRG">{{cite web|url=http://therealitygap.com/2012/10/13/pr-and-the-art-of-perception/|title=PR and the art of perception|date=13 October 2012|work=The Reality Gap|accessdate=10 February 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115110049/http://therealitygap.com/2012/10/13/pr-and-the-art-of-perception/|archivedate=2013-11-15}}</ref>


{{Quote|an important read for anyone in or wanting to be in the PR business, and an entertaining read for anyone interested in international business growth at the sharp end.}}
{{Blockquote|an important read for anyone in or wanting to be in the PR business, and an entertaining read for anyone interested in international business growth at the sharp end.}}


Since the publication of the book, Leaf has been spending his time talking at conferences and lecturing at leading business and journalism schools in the UK and the US.<ref name="PRW" />
Since the publication of the book, Leaf has been spending his time talking at conferences and lecturing at leading business and journalism schools in the UK and the US.<ref name="PRW" />

He is also a founder of the [[Public Relations Consultants Association]].<ref name="PCRA">{{cite web|url=https://www.prca.org.uk/TheArtofPerceptionbyBobLeaf |title=The Art of Perception by Bob Leaf |publisher=[[Public Relations Consultants Association]] |access-date=10 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222153514/https://www.prca.org.uk/TheArtofPerceptionbyBobLeaf |archive-date=22 February 2014 |df= }}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


While still working at B-M’s New York office Leaf received a phone call from Adele Ornstein, who had been a fellow student at Joan of Arc Junior High School in New York whom he had not seen in 12 years but hadn’t forgotten, so they started dating. They were married in June 1958, their son, Stuart, was born in 1961 and they have two grandchildren.
While still working at B-M's New York office Leaf received a phone call from Adele Ornstein, who had been a fellow student at Joan of Arc Junior High School in New York whom he had not seen in 12 years but hadn't forgotten, so they started dating. They were married in June 1958, their son, Stuart, was born in 1961 and they have two grandchildren.


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
*[http://www.prweek.com/article/746872/profile-bob-leaf-chairman-robert-s-leaf-consultants PR Week Profile]

⚫
*[https://opencorporates.com/companies/gb/03358351 Robert S. Leaf Consultants] at [[OpenCorporates]]
⚫
* [http://www.prweek.com/article/746872/profile-bob-leaf-chairman-robert-s-leaf-consultants PR Week Profile]
⚫
* [https://opencorporates.com/companies/gb/03358351 Robert S. Leaf Consultants] at [[OpenCorporates]]

{{Persondata
| NAME = Leaf, Bob
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American public relations expert
| DATE OF BIRTH = August 9, 1931
| PLACE OF BIRTH = New York City
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Leaf, Bob}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leaf, Bob}}
⚫
[[Category:1931 births]]

[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:American public relations people]]
[[Category:American public relations people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from London]]
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from New York City]]
[[Category:Stuyvesant High School alumni]]
[[Category:Stuyvesant High School alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army soldiers]]
[[Category:University of Missouri alumni]]
[[Category:University of Missouri alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel]]
[[Category:American expatriates in the United Kingdom]]
⚫
[[Category:People from London]]
[[Category:People from New York City]]

Latest revision as of 13:07, 15 June 2024

Bob Leaf
Born(1931-08-09)August 9, 1931
New York City, US
DiedJune 10, 2021(2021-06-10) (aged 89)
Alma materUniversity of Missouri
Occupations

Robert Stephen Leaf ( August 9, 1931 – June 10, 2021) was an American public relations executive. He is best known for creating the international network of offices which made Burson-Marsteller the world's largest public relations firm in the 1980s, where he eventually rose to be international chairman. Debrett's have recognised him as one of Britain's 500 most influential people.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Leaf was born in New York City on August 9, 1931.[2] He attended Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan.[citation needed]

Education

[edit]

After high school Leaf enrolled in the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri,[3] the world's first school of journalism. Initially he was interested in pursuing a career in sports journalism, but after attending classes in advertising and public relations he decided that was where his future lay.[3] At college, Leaf also developed a keen interest in history and international relations and, after receiving his bachelor of journalism degree with honors in 1952,[4][5] he received an MA with honors in history in 1954.[4][5][6]

Army

[edit]

After graduation, Leaf served in the United States Army for two years.[3] After basic training, he was posted to Fort Eustis, Virginia for a few months, then army headquarters at Orléans, France as an information and education specialist,[5] who lectured to the troops.[3] Among his subjects were the different cultural attitudes they would encounter while stationed overseas, and how best to get on with the British, French and Germans.

Burson-Marsteller

[edit]

Leaf moved back to the United States in 1956 and went to live with his widowed mother in New York, while searching for a job. For a short while he worked for a show business publicist where his main clients included Milton Berle, who helped start television in the United States, Tony Bennett and Pearl Bailey. He then obtained an interview with a small PR firm called Burson-Marsteller which was looking for its first trainee, and got the job.[3]

He joined Burson-Marsteller on July 1, 1957, alongside its then six executives.[3] The business grew rapidly and soon Leaf was promoted and given assistants, one of whom was Mary Travers – soon far better known as the Mary in the vocal group Peter, Paul and Mary.[7]

Harold Burson had also been stationed overseas in the army and felt that it offered great opportunities for the firm to represent American clients there. He appointed Leaf head of international operations and, in 1965, he was sent to Brussels on a one-year assignment. Three years later he was transferred to London, where he still resided.[3]

Overseas growth

[edit]

Credited as "the father of public relations",[8] Leaf went on to create a global network of offices which helped Burson-Marsteller become the world's biggest PR firm during his tenure.[7]

After giving a speech in Moscow, B-M was hired by Vneshtorgreklama, the Russian state advertising agency during the Cold War, and helped set up the first PR firm in the Soviet Union.[3] Leaf also signed a partnership agreement with the Chinese government in the Great Hall of the People to establish the first official Chinese Government PR firm.[3][5] He launched the first international PR firm in the Middle East and started Burson-Marsteller offices throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Australia.

In 1997, after 40 years with Burson-Marsteller, he stood down as their International chairman and established his own firm, Robert S. Leaf Consultants,[5] which is based in the Burson-Marsteller building in London.[3] He still advised Burson-Marsteller.[5]

Awards

[edit]

In 2000, Leaf was given the Chartered Institute of Public Relations first ever 'Alan Campbell Award', for outstanding contributions to international public relations[3] and, in 2011, he received journalism's highest award Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service to Journalism from his alma mater, the University of Missouri.[4] Previous recipients include Tom Brokaw, Walter Cronkite, George Gallup and Sir Winston Churchill. He is listed in Who's Who in America,[3] Who's Who in the World,[3] Debrett's People of Today.[3] In January 2014, he was included in 'The Debrett's 500', a list of people considered by them as Britain's 500 most influential people.[4][8]

Books

[edit]

In 2012, Leaf published his memoirs, The Art of Perception.[7] It was described in The Reality Gap as:[9]

an important read for anyone in or wanting to be in the PR business, and an entertaining read for anyone interested in international business growth at the sharp end.

Since the publication of the book, Leaf has been spending his time talking at conferences and lecturing at leading business and journalism schools in the UK and the US.[6]

He is also a founder of the Public Relations Consultants Association.[10]

Personal life

[edit]

While still working at B-M's New York office Leaf received a phone call from Adele Ornstein, who had been a fellow student at Joan of Arc Junior High School in New York whom he had not seen in 12 years but hadn't forgotten, so they started dating. They were married in June 1958, their son, Stuart, was born in 1961 and they have two grandchildren.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Robert Leaf, international PR pioneer, dies at 89". PR Week. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  2. ^ "Robert Leaf, Esq Authorised Biography - Debrett's People of Today". Debrett's. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Mansur, Kathryn. "Robert S. Leaf". University of Missouri. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d "Alumnus Robert S. Leaf Named One of Britain's 500 Most Influential People - Missouri School of Journalism". University of Missouri. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Marriott, Hannah (October 17, 2007). "PROFILE: Bob Leaf, Chairman, Robert S Leaf Consultants". PR Week. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  6. ^ a b Leaf, Bob (August 16, 2013). "How PR has evolved in 50 years". PR Week. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  7. ^ a b c Leaf, Robert (2012). The Art of Perception, Memoirs of a Life in PR. Atlantic Books. ISBN 978-0857890023.
  8. ^ a b "PR". Debrett's. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  9. ^ "PR and the art of perception". The Reality Gap. October 13, 2012. Archived from the original on November 15, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
  10. ^ "The Art of Perception by Bob Leaf". Public Relations Consultants Association. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2014.
[edit]
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