Democrat Bill Richardson joins PR firm

Former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson (D) has joined APCO Worldwide, a global public relations firm.

Richardson has been named chairman of the firm's executive advisory service, Global Political Strategies (GPS). 

"Given his strong leadership qualities, his extraordinary achievements in government and business and his global knowledge and experience, we know he's the right person to head this high-caliber group," said Margery Kraus, APCO's founder and CEO, in a statement. 

"I am very pleased to be affiliated with APCO Worldwide through my new role as GPS chairman, and I look forward to working with colleagues and clients, old and new," Richardson said. 

A former House member, Richardson served in the Clinton administration as ambassador to the United Nations and Energy secretary. He was elected as New Mexico governor in 2002 and served two terms.

Richardson failed to win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. He was later nominated for commerce secretary by President Obama but withdrew his nomination due to a federal investigation into alleged improper government contracting in New Mexico. Prosecutors later dropped the probe.