Ex NATO Secretary General and Former City AM Editor join 5654 & Company as Senior Counsel
With growing global instability and a rapidly evolving earned media landscape, 5654 & Company has bolstered its support for clients by hiring former NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson and ex-City AM editor Christian May as Senior Counsel.
George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen, was Secretary of State for Defence in Tony Blair’s government and appointed Secretary General of NATO in 1999. He will help clients understand the evolving geo-political context, including the impact of conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. Lord Robertson will bring his considerable foreign policy experience to bear, to help clients understand how geopolitical movements are creating new risks and opportunities for businesses.
Christian May edited the influential business daily City AM for five years after leading the communications and public affairs team at the Institute of Directors. During his busy tenure at City AM he oversaw the paper's coverage of some of the biggest political, corporate and financial stories and debates of recent years. He brings a rare and detailed understanding of the mechanics of business journalism to help 5654’s clients navigate the challenges and opportunities of earned media.
The appointments follow a series of hires at 5654 & Company over the summer to broaden and deepen its consultancy team. New capability has been brought to our digital marketing and communications team, while the corporate communications offer has been bolstered by the arrival of several experienced media consultants.
Welcoming their arrival, Ben Thornton – Founding Partner of 5654 & Company said: “We founded 5654 to help companies contributing to the UK act to earn reputation. That task has never been more challenging. Now Lord Robertson and Christian add rare experience in their fields to an already brilliant team – helping us and our clients better respond to an ever-changing external landscape.”
Commenting on his appointment, Lord Robertson said: “5654 & Company has some unique qualities for advising clients. I am delighted to add to that bench-set with a view of a turbulent world which is fast moving and offering serious and complex challenges to business. My political and business background will allow me to give guidance on geopolitics and their impact to clients.”
And Christian May said: "Having worked in journalism and corporate affairs I'm acutely aware of the ever-growing demands placed on businesses and business leaders, and of the forces shaping the environment in which they operate. I believe that 5654 & Company have a unique and highly valuable approach to helping clients navigate this complex landscape, and I'm thrilled to join such an innovative and experienced team."
NOTES TO EDITORS
5654 & Company was founded in 2020 to help companies earn reputation. Our experienced consultancy teams work with clients to shape opinion across their audiences by communicating with evidence and emotion. 5654 works with some of the world’s best-known companies and brands.
As a member of the Public Affairs Board, 5654 & Company abides by the Public Affairs Code of Practice. In-line with the Code, Lord Robertson’s role at the firm will be restricted to advising on geo-political issues and emerging global trends.
For more information please visit www.5654.co.uk