Experience

ESBA - European Small Business Alliance

• Belgium
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Secretary General

  • May 2023 - Present

  Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium ESBA provides a voice for Europe's small and micro businesses. Through its direct membership, associate membership and cooperation agreements, ESBA today represents almost one million small businesses and covers 36 European countries.



The Good Fight

• Retail

• Founder

  • Feb 2023 - Present

  Brussels / London For every problem there’s a solution. But even the best ideas can be blocked by the inertia of the status quo. Armed with decades of experience delivering regulatory campaigns and communications, The Good Fight paves the way for good ideas to see the light of day.



Involve

• France
• Advertising Services

• Board Member

  • Apr 2023 - Present

  Involve is the UK’s leading public participation charity. We develop, support and campaign for new ways to involve people in decisions that affect their lives.



Sortition Foundation

• United Kingdom
• Think Tanks
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Independent Director

  • 2023 - Present

  Transform politics - Upgrade democracy now! Citizens’ assemblies are being used all around the world to tackle problems by bringing people from all walks of life together and giving us the time and information to find the right solution.



Blockchain & Climate Institute

• Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Advisor

  • 2022 - Present

  Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium Global think tank and advisory group bringing together climate policymakers and emerging technology innovation.



Philip Morris International

• Switzerland
• Tobacco Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Head of Communications - European Union

  • 2014 - 2022

  Brussels Metropolitan Area Providing communication strategy and execution for an unprecedented corporate transformation as Philip Morris International builds a future without cigarettes. Leading on global and EU communication campaigns and initiatives; providing strategic advice to senior management and support for our communication teams in 30 markets.

• Director of Government Affairs & Communications - Global

  • 2012 - 2014

  Lausanne Area, Switzerland Directed communication campaigns in key markets around the globe. Specialized in providing 'on the ground' crisis communication support and devising impactful campaigns to support markets’ political and regulatory objectives.



Federation of Small Businesses

• Non-profit Organizations

• Head of External Affairs and Chief Spokesperson

  • Jan 2011 - Mar 2012

  London, United Kingdom Led the FSB’s policy, public affairs and media teams. Public Affairs News described me as “an assured media performer (who has) helped to raise the FSB’s public profile in recent years through frequent TV news appearances, at the same time as fighting the organization’s corner in Westminster and Whitehall".

• Head of Policy & Spokesperson

  • 2007 - 2011

  London Built a talented policy team & developed, during the 2008 Crisis, policies to save SMEs including, 'Entrepreneurs' Relief', cut in National Insurance Contributions & Business Rates. Devised & campaigned for a lending scheme that became the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, directing £3.3bn to 35,000 small businesses. At grassroots, I launched the influential 'Keep Trade Local' campaign.

• Head of EU & International Affairs

  • 2005 - 2007

  Brussels and London Set up the FSB's Brussels Office and quickly established its credentials for straight talking and effective campaigning. Wins included persuading Parliament to reject (without amendment) the Commission's costly proposal to regulate supply chains, and adoption of the Services Directive.



"Director"​ Magazine

• Columnist - EU & International Affairs

  • 2003 - 2008

  London



Conservative Party

• Campaign Manager for Shadow Cabinet & Party Leader

  • 2003 - 2005

  London Headed Shadow Cabinet media campaigns in target constituencies. In 2005 General Election, directed team that delivered the Leader's campaign tour. Involving a complex mix of logistics, 3rd party liaison and event management delivered in a fluid environment under intense media scrutiny; Party Leader, Michael Howard later commented, "We literally couldn't have done it without you."



European Parliament

• Belgium
• Political Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• Adviser to Vice Chairman of European Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee

  • 1999 - 2004

  Brussels and Warsaw Political adviser to Vice Chairman of the Constitutional Affairs Committee during drafting of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, pre-EU Accession negotiations with countries of Central & Eastern Europe, and building relations with Ukraine.



The Parliament Magazine

• Features Writer - EU Accession & Current Affairs in CEE

  • 2002 - 2003

  Brussels & Warsaw



Poland Monthly

• Columnist - Polish & EU Current Affairs

  • 2002 - 2003

  Warsaw



Conservative Party Leadership Campaign 2001

• Deputy Head of Press for Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke MP during Conservative Party Leadership Contest

  • 2001 - 2001

  London, United Kingdom



House of Commons

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Parliamentary Assistant

  • 1997 - 1998

  London