Gunster Strategies Worldwide

This December, Gunster Strategies Worldwide celebrates its 20th year at the forefront of international issue advocacy.

Over the past two decades, the firm has played a central role in some of the most historic and consequential political moments of the modern era. Discretion is typically the norm for Gunster Strategies — but silence was impossible in moments such as Brexit, the defeat of Mayor Bloomberg’s 16-ounce soda ban in New York City, and a remarkable string of referendum and ballot initiative victories across the United States.

The firm’s excellence has not gone unnoticed: Gunster Strategies and its colleagues have twice been honored with national awards for “Best Public Affairs Campaign of the Year,” reflecting its unmatched ability to design and execute winning strategies.

During these years, the company expanded its global footprint, opening offices in Washington, London, Cairo, Tbilisi, and California. Its work in elections across Egypt, Europe, and beyond —combined with the cultivation of a world-class team of specialists — has cemented the firm’s reputation as a global leader in advocacy, public affairs, and strategic communication.

A Research-Driven Approach to Global Impact

Gunster Strategies stands apart for the scale and diversity of its clientele. It partners with Fortune 500 corporations, national governments, and world leaders who rely on its ability to navigate the intersection of politics, communication, and perception. These organizations turn to Gunster for clarity, credibility, and measurable results.

“In today’s world, you have two choices: define the debate or someone else will do it for you. We help clients cut through the noise, shape perception, and make their message matter where it counts,” says Gerry Gunster, CEO.

In Washington, where policies shift with every new administration, many organizations struggle to communicate effectively. Gunster helps them interpret political change, identify decision-makers and opinion leaders, and articulate their positions with precision. Its work ensures clients communicate in ways that resonate with the people who shape national and global outcomes.

Every engagement begins with a structured process grounded in three phases: opinion research, message development, and strategic execution. Opinion research is the cornerstone, helping the team understand what target audiences believe, how they view themselves, and how they interpret an issue. This data-driven foundation ensures that strategies are both persuasive and precise.

As Gunster explains, building a campaign without research is like constructing a home without a blueprint. Testing assumptions before acting helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures every step aligns with audience insight. Collaboration is equally vital. Clients are often seasoned political or business professionals who contribute meaningful input throughout each phase. Their expertise combines with Gunster’s data and strategy to create campaigns that move audiences and shape outcomes.

Gunster’s independence is another defining strength. As an independent firm, it remains agile and responsive, unbound by corporate shareholders or external agendas. Since the pandemic, it has expanded from a small core team to around twenty professionals across Washington, London, Tbilisi, California, and other strategic locations. This growth reflects rising global demand for sophisticated communication strategies that deliver results.

Defining the Future of Advocacy

Beyond client work, Gerry Gunster shares his expertise as a lecturer at Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University. He teaches best practices in advocacy and communication, emphasizing that success in this field depends on discipline, evidence-based strategy, and an understanding of real audience behavior.

For Gunster Strategies, every project begins with understanding people and ends with measurable impact. Its combination of research, strategy, and creativity helps clients communicate with purpose and influence outcomes that matter to both organizations and citizens. By transforming complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies, the firm continues to define how influence is built in an increasingly connected world.