Amid continued and significant growth over the last two years, FleishmanHillard UK has bolstered its International Affairs offer with the appointment of Mike Kelly as director.
Mike joins FleishmanHillard UK from health-tech scale-up Cera, the UK’s second healthcare unicorn, where he built the company’s public relations and public affairs function across multiple markets. Prior to this, Mike spent almost five years with Edelman as part of its International Affairs practice, advising governments, private sector organisations, foundations and NGOs.
FleishmanHillard UK’s International Affairs team leads programmes on behalf of foreign governments, foundations and multinational companies on diplomacy and geopolitics, trade and foreign direct investment (FDI), climate change and humanitarian issues. It supports clients from around the world with communications, stakeholder outreach, public affairs and digital advocacy to shape the UK and international policy, business and societal agendas. The team works in partnership with all of FleishmanHillard’s core practices offering proactive engagement, issues and crisis management, and counsel on high-profile milestones such as COP and the UN General Assembly.
At FleishmanHillard UK, Mike will report to senior partner and head of international affairs, Michael Hartt. His portfolio will include nation branding, plus humanitarian and philanthropic campaigns.
Michael Hartt, senior partner and head of international affairs, said, “Our clients are facing world-changing events and issues at a relentless pace. From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to trade and supply chain disruption, the climate crisis to rapid shifts in countries’ reputation and relationships, they are looking for effective, thoughtful counsel and campaigns.
After a successful 2021, we’re delighted to have Michael and other new colleagues join our International Affairs team at a time when our clients’ need for effective, thoughtful communications and public affairs consultancy on these challenges has never been greater.”
Mike arrives alongside other recent hires in the UK International Affairs team. Alexandra Martin joined in March 2022 as an account manager from OPRG Netherlands, and previously held communications coordinator roles at the International Criminal Court and Save the Children International. Tim Harding joined as an associate director in the autumn from the UK Department of International Trade, where he specialised in investment and trade with Japan and Korea and leads the team’s International Trade offer.
Mike Kelly, director, international affairs, adds, “The calibre of clients, and quality of work, which has been undertaken by the International Affairs team at FleishmanHillard is incredibly inspiring, and a journey which I’m greatly excited to play a role in moving forward. Now, more than ever, practical and informed guidance on complex international issues is of enormous value to clients.
I look forward to working with Michael and the wider team to help further develop our offering and accelerate our growth into new markets and industries.”
