People
We are a team of corporate affairs and communications professionals with in-house and consultancy experience. Our people have deep insight into different sectors and know the best response to most reputational risks - and opportunities. We work at Manchester Mews in Marylebone, sharing ideas and pooling expertise. Looking after our clients together.
Meet the team
Long-term advisor to senior decision makers on the value of harnessing reputation to enhance commercial objectives. Over 20 years’ experience running successful PR/PA firms and major client programmes in Europe, the US, and Asia. Managing director of APCO Worldwide from 2012-2019. Consultancy of the Year 2018. Board Director of The All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon) and Chairman of its Strategic Communications Committee.
Experienced strategic advisor with deep expertise in political communications, corporate affairs, and public interest advocacy. Simon advises senior leaders on reputation, stakeholder engagement and campaign strategy, drawing on 14 years in frontline politics, including 10 as a senior adviser to Ed Miliband in government and opposition. Before joining Apella, he led corporate affairs at Pogust Goodhead, where he advised the firm and its clients on high-profile disputes, climate strategy, and regulatory risk.
Over ten years' EA experience working in the communications industry. She supports the team and their clients. Previously worked at Teneo in London.
Ollie is a strategic communications adviser with expertise in how technology, data and the changing information environment shape reputation. He advises on audience insight, positioning, and the reputational risks and opportunities that arise with each new channel and emerging technology such as AI.
He joined Apella in September 2026. Previously, he led digital engagement team at Sodali & Co., advising listed & private companies and international organisations.
Over 20 years advising boards and executive teams on reputation, campaign strategy and crisis management, with a growing focus on the reputational implications of AI. Develops sustained client relationships - including long-term advisory work with Nationwide and KPMG - and brings strategic and creative range to complex communications challenges. Sam's client experience includes AstraZeneca, Coca-Cola, Drax, UBS and Volkswagen.
Joined Apella in 2024 where he provides research and insight for clients in defence, retail and utilities. James studied International Relations for his undergraduate degree before completing an MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. Prior to joining Apella, James gained experience in journalism, media production and marketing.
Communications and public affairs specialist, with comprehensive UK and EU experience. George has a strong track record of delivering high-impact campaigns and engaging policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders. He has a background in AI, skills policy, and sustainability, and before joining Apella worked in consultancy and Parliament.
Saskia is a public affairs specialist with extensive experience advising clients on political, policy and regulatory change. She previously worked at Global Counsel in the Climate, Energy and Net Zero team, advising some of Europe's largest energy and infrastructure companies and investors on strategic and regulatory challenges. Before that she held roles at the Social Market Foundation and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.
Henry joined Apella in 2026, working with clients across the financial and retail sectors. He brings a background in political, market and legal research, and provides research and account support to help deliver effective client communications. Prior to joining Apella, he gained experience across consultancy and the legal sector. He holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Leeds.
Stella joined Apella in 2025 and brings a background in research and analysis to her work with clients in financial and retail sectors. She holds a MSc in Political Behaviour from the London School of Economics and a BA in Politics, Economics, Philosophy, and Spanish from the University of Otago. Her research experience ranges from conducting studies in voting behaviour and public opinion to co-authoring a paper on environmental economics.
Ethan joined Apella as an Associate in 2025, working with a variety of clients across the financial services, environmental services, and utilities sectors. He brings a strong research-based background, providing clients with the monitoring and analysis needed to support effective communications. He holds a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bristol.
Experienced adviser and specialist in complex, multi-stakeholder, high-risk issues. Advisor to corporate and private clients across energy, real estate, private equity, technology, and aerospace sectors. Experience includes communications relating to litigation, data breaches, statutory inquiries, and business continuity incidents, as well as financial and corporate communications, including M&A and IPOs. Her previous clients include Pennon Group, Ballymore, Advent International, Imagination Technologies and Airbus.
Joined Apella as a Senior Associate in November 2023. Spent the last three years at Teneo advising clients on a range of reputation and communications mandates. She has extensive capital markets and financial communications experience, advising on international M&A transactions and IPOs with FTSE 100 and private equity firms. She has advised clients on ESG, issues campaigning and crisis communications. She joined Teneo in 2021 from FTI Consulting's Energy and Natural Resources communications team. BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford.
Strong across corporate, B2B, B2C and internal communications briefs in technology, energy, financial services, learning and skills, transport and professional services. Clients have included American Express, Bank of America, Capita, Chicago Booth School of Business and LinkedIn.
Former Executive Director of Communications at the Bank of England. Advisor to the Governor, sat on the Bank’s executive committee and risk committee. Formerly economics and politics correspondent for the BBC and presenter of the Daily Politics. Vice Chair of Pro Bono Economics and an Independent Board Member at HMT.
Over 25 years advising global boards and executive teams, with a particular focus on strategic and capital markets communications. Recent clients include Aquiline, Atlas Merchant Capital, Deutsche Bank, Pension Insurance Corporation and Selfridges.
25 years of experience across media relations, public affairs, regulatory development, employee engagement, brand development, competition and CSR. Group corporate affairs director at Lloyds Banking Group, part of the senior team which rescued the bank and rebuilt its reputation following the financial crisis. Formerly communications director at Santander UK and board member of the BBA.