Lord Peter Melchett, former executive director of Greenpeace UK, will be joining a public relations firm — Burson-Marsteller — which includes controversial genetically modified foods giant Monsanto Co. among its clients. Melchett was arrested for destroying genetically modified crops in 1999, though he and 28 other protesters were later cleared of the charges. He retired as Greenpeace executive director in 2000 after more than 10 years as head of the environmental non- governmental organisation. Under pressure from Greenpeace’s board due to his new post, Melchett resigned from the Greenpeace board on 11 January. In his new role he is expected to head a committee advising businesses on how to deal with controversial issues such as GM food, toxic waste and child labour in developing countries. He has defended his decision to work for Burson-Marsteller, which has also handled the PR for companies in trouble over environmental incidents.
"Ex-Greenpeace boss joins Monsanto PR firm," REUTERS, 9 January 2002; "Melchett forced off Greenpeace board," BBC, 12 January 2002.