JBP Communications has further expanded its senior advisory capability with the appointment of Dr Stuart Thomson, a highly respected communications and political engagement specialist with more than 25 years’ experience advising boards and senior leadership teams.
Stuart brings extensive expertise across political and corporate communications, reputation management and crisis communications. Over the course of his career, he has supported organisations navigating complex stakeholder environments, delivering strategic counsel on high-profile media relations and crisis programmes.
He has led and developed two communications consultancies within law firms and has a strong track record in delivering integrated political communications and reputation campaigns internationally. Stuart’s experience spans a wide range of sectors including transport, infrastructure, FMCG, the built environment and financial services, and he has worked extensively across the private, public and charity sectors.
Alongside his advisory work, Stuart plays a leading role in professional development within the industry. He is course leader for the ‘Public Affairs Management’ Diploma, launched in 2020, and has designed and delivered a range of public affairs training programmes covering areas such as social media, Parliament, ethics and devolution for the PRCA since 2019. He has delivered training for businesses, charities, trade bodies, government departments and consultancies.
A CIPR Chartered PR Practitioner and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, Stuart is also a published author. His books include Public Affairs in Practice, Public Affairs: A Global Perspective, and Reputation in Business: Lessons for Leaders. His most recent title, The Company and the Activist: Going Beyond PR, explores how organisations can respond effectively to activist campaigns.
In addition, Stuart serves as an adviser to the Entrepreneurs Network (TEN), is a regular conference speaker and chair and contributes training for organisations including the PRCA, CIPR, and Dods. He is also a frequent media commentator on political issues for outlets including the BBC, Sky News and GB News.
This appointment reflects JBP Communications’ continued investment in senior expertise to support clients facing an increasingly complex political and reputational landscape, further strengthening its ability to deliver strategic insight and impactful communications.
Mark Hawthorne, Director of JBP Local, said: “We at JBP are delighted to have Stuart joining us. His extensive experience in communications and political engagement, together with his impressive portfolio as an industry trainer, will bring huge value to JBP’s senior council offering, both for clients and our own team.”
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