ABOUT ROBYN BORDES
Two decades of building businesses, and the people behind them.
An entrepreneur, public relations executive, talent manager and business development strategist, Robyn has spent more than 20 years building, operating and scaling businesses across PR, entertainment, hospitality, healthcare and consumer industries.


THE AGENCY BUILDER
From a multimillion-dollar PR agency to the next generation of firms
For more than two decades, Robyn was the driving force behind Illumination PR — the agency she founded, built and scaled into a thriving business representing clients across entertainment, healthcare, beauty, hospitality, lifestyle and consumer products.
Along the way she built the operational infrastructure, client acquisition strategies, training programs and leadership teams needed to sustain and grow an agency in a competitive industry.
Following the acquisition of Illumination PR, Robyn began a new chapter: using that business model and two decades of relationships to build and expand agencies across specialized industries.
STARTED AT 13
An entrepreneurial spirit that started in a restaurant kitchen
Long before her public relations career, Robyn developed her instincts in the restaurant industry, where she began working at just 13 — an early introduction to operations, customer experience and team leadership.
Robyn and her husband, Michael, have owned five restaurants. Today they own two thriving restaurant businesses, run by a management team they carefully assembled, trained and empowered.
Her interests have also expanded into healthcare and rehabilitation, where she is involved with one of the country’s fastest-growing rehabilitation centers.


RELATIONSHIPS & NEGOTIATION
She leads with heart, but she negotiates with purpose.
Robyn is a passionate advocate for her clients — direct, transparent and unwilling to shy away from difficult conversations when their interests are at stake.
She believes the strongest partnerships are built on trust, accountability and the willingness to stand behind the people you represent. Whether negotiating a talent agreement, expanding a brand’s distribution or navigating a hard decision, she brings the same principles: honesty, preparation, persistence and a commitment to the best possible outcome.
DEVELOPING LEADERS
Identifying potential — and giving people the chance to succeed
Robyn has spoken to communications students at colleges and universities about entrepreneurship, public relations and the realities of building a business, and has long welcomed interns from local colleges into her companies.
Many of the people who became integral members of her teams began as interns under her guidance. She recognizes potential, teaches the business from the ground up and develops employees into confident leaders — with a particular commitment to supporting independent women and encouraging entrepreneurship.


COMMUNITY, FAMILY & GIVING BACK
Rooted in Greenwich, and in creating opportunity for others
Family and faith remain at the center of everything Robyn does. A longtime member of the Greenwich, Connecticut community, she serves on the board of Dollars for Scholars, supporting students as they pursue their academic and professional goals.
She is passionate about supporting local businesses, mentoring young professionals and championing independent women.
“Build it right. Find exceptional people. Teach them everything you know. Give them the tools to lead. Then create the next opportunity.”
AWARDS & HONORS
Recognition
2026
Top PR Firms
Westfair Business Journal
View list →
2024
Best Places to Work: Small Agencies
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2026
HRC Fertility: Platinum, Gold & multiple honors @ Hermes Creative Awards
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2018
40 Under 40
The Griffin Report
2025
Women in Business
914INC · Westchester
Top 10
Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow

