One of the nation’s top energy communications professionals, Daudani enhances firm’s strategic messaging and corporate communications capabilities.
RICHMOND, Va. (July 8, 2026) – McGuireWoods Consulting announced that Rayhan Daudani, a communications advisor to global energy firms, has joined the firm’s advocacy team as a senior vice president. He is based in Richmond, Virginia.
Daudani brings more than 25 years of expertise in media and communications to McGuireWoods Consulting. He joins the firm after leading the earned media specialty for Edelman’s global energy practice. As a senior vice president, he led the communications strategy for multibillion dollar capital projects, company launches and Initial Public Offerings, positioning C-suite executives, advocating for federal regulatory policy, and other campaigns throughout the energy industry. His experience includes advising clients across the energy spectrum, including renewable developers, equipment manufacturers, trade associations, bioenergy and carbon capture companies.
“Rayhan bolsters our existing corporate communications services to help us counsel clients on how best to shape conversations and public policy,” said Mark Bowles, the chairman of McGuireWoods Consulting. “This is particularly important for energy companies facing complex challenges including heightened market volatility, regulatory scrutiny and customer expectations.”
Prior to Edelman, Daudani led media relations for Dominion Energy Virginia, where he directed communications initiatives on a wide array of infrastructure developments and drove the media strategy on key regulatory and policy issues. He also managed a team of spokespeople and supported company executives through mergers, crises and legislative matters. As lead spokesperson for the company’s Virginia operations and political action committee, Daudani established himself as a trusted communicator in the commonwealth and beyond.
“Rayhan’s understanding of both the energy industry and public policy allows us even greater strength to help us guide clients through new regulatory and legislative challenges,” said McGuireWoods Consulting president and former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges. “We believe there is tremendous opportunity in the energy sector and are rapidly growing our capabilities to meet growing client demand.”
Daudani’s career began in broadcast and digital journalism where he spent 17 years producing award-winning coverage on major breaking news stories before moving into digital management at NBC Universal in New York City. He later led digital operations for the NBC affiliate in Richmond, Virginia, where he won Associated Press, Edward R. Murrow and Virginia Association of Broadcasters awards for Best Website.
“The energy industry’s message must adapt to meet the moment. Rayhan’s experience allows us to bring in a senior voice to evolve communications and drive business outcomes,” said Steve Horton, senior vice president and director of McGuireWoods Consulting’s national advocacy team.
“I’ve long admired McGuireWoods Consulting’s work in the energy industry across the United States,” Daudani said. “I look forward to growing the firm’s energy communications capabilities and expanding its roster of clients nationwide.”
Daudani holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech with a certificate in environmental policy and politics. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of public relations at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robertson School of Mass Communications. He lives in Richmond with his wife and two daughters.
McGuireWoods Consulting is a national, full-service public affairs firm serving organizations across industry sectors at the local, state and federal levels. Our firm provides premier advocacy and economic development services and is affiliated with McGuireWoods LLP, offering clients a powerful combination that few firms can match. Our national advocacy team provides data-driven communications solutions that lead core messages and shape the conversation to ensure key results are delivered. Our professionals in a dozen U.S. offices supported clients in more than 30 states over the last year.
