Covington & Burling has tapped Dan Bryant, most recently senior vice president of global public policy and government affairs at PepsiCo and previously assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice, to head the firm’s Public Policy and Government Affairs practice.
Mr. Bryant joins the firm as a partner in its Washington office where he will oversee the growth of the firm’s practice. Last year, the National Law Journal ranked the firm’s practice as one of the most influential in the nation. His arrival comes on the heels of Paul Adamson, a leader in European public affairs, joining the firm. Both moves strengthen the firm’s ability to help clients navigate global government regulations.
“Dan’s talents and ability to build relationships in both the corporate and political worlds makes him ideally suited to help us build on the strengths of our premier public policy and government affairs practice,” said Timothy Hester, chair of the firm’s management committee.
During his 7-year tenure at PespiCo, Mr. Bryant led the company’s government affairs team and directed its public policy efforts around the world. In that role, he oversaw PepsiCo’s engagement of governments, multilateral institutions, nongovernment organizations and advocacy groups worldwide. He was a member of PepsiCo’s executive committee. He serves on the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Bryant’s experience includes high-level positions at the Justice Department during President George W. Bush’s administration. Mr. Bryant served as assistant attorney general for legal policy and assistant attorney general for legislative affairs, receiving the Edmund Randolph award, the highest award given to lawyers by the Department of Justice. Prior to the Justice Department, Mr. Bryant served as chief counsel to the House Judiciary Committee’s panel on crime, and he served on the staff of the Senate Government Affairs Committee’s permanent subcommittee for investigations.
“I have worked alongside Dan at the U.S. Department of Justice during the challenging days following the 9/11 attacks and at PepsiCo where he has directed our public policy and government affairs efforts around the world. In both roles, Dan has led masterfully, bringing people from all sides to the table to reach the best possible solutions, for our country and for one of its iconic companies. Dan is a true bridge builder, and we are sorry to see him go,” said Larry Thompson, executive vice president and general counsel of PepsiCo and former deputy attorney general.
“Our new public policy platform strengthens our ability to provide the highest level of advocacy for our clients. Dan will be an invaluable asset to our team as we continue to grow,” said Holly Fechner, vice chair of the practice and former policy director for Senator Edward M. Kennedy. “He knows how to build a bipartisan consensus to deliver the best possible results for clients.”
Covington’s multi-disciplinary approach to issues across practice groups and the caliber of its legal talent attracted Mr. Bryant to the firm.
“I look forward to serving as chair of Covington’s public policy and government affairs practice,” Mr. Bryant said. “The firm’s commitment to excellence in client service and its capabilities to advise and represent clients in policy and government affairs matters in Washington, D.C. and in the capitals of the world is first-rate. I’m looking forward to joining the great team at Covington and working to help our clients succeed and grow.”
Mr. Bryant earned his undergraduate degree from American University, his master’s degree from Oxford University and his law degree from American University.
