The Organisation

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Our client is a high-performing consultancy, advising senior leaders on reputation, influence, and strategic growth across international markets. Ellwood Atfield is managing this search on an exclusive basis.

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The Opportunity

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As the agency’s first Managing Director, this hire will steer the firm to realise its strategic ambitions, ensuring growth in both reputation and revenue, maintaining the highest quality of service, and preserving its distinctive voice in international affairs. You will lead a talented, multi-disciplinary team advising senior leaders, boards, and policymakers on complex communications and policy challenges in highly regulated and politically sensitive environments.

This appointment carries clear commercial accountability: to grow revenue, enhance profitability, and scale the business. You will lead on business development, position the firm as the trusted adviser of choice, and drive growth through strategic insight and entrepreneurial hustle: building relationships, spotting opportunities, and turning connections into commercial success.

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Main Responsibilities

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• Lead and deliver the firm’s growth strategy, with a clear focus on business development and market expansion.
• Identify, secure, and convert high-value opportunities across international markets.
• Guide and inspire a team of consultants and specialists, fostering excellence, curiosity, and accountability.
• Balance strategic foresight with hands-on leadership, ensuring operational rigour and cultural cohesion.
• Strengthen the firm’s position as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders across government, corporate, and advisory sectors.
• Represent the organisation externally as a thought leader on international communications, political trends, and reputation dynamics.
• Drive profitability through disciplined management of performance, delivery, and client satisfaction.
• Partner with the Board to define strategic priorities and execute a clear plan for sustainable growth.

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Skills & Experience

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• Senior leadership experience (15+years) in communications, public affairs, government relations, or a related field.
• Proven success in growing agencies or advisory businesses, with a strong appetite for winning and retaining major clients.
• Deep understanding of global political, regulatory, and policy environments.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: commercially sharp, innovative, and motivated by results.
• Exceptional client relationship management and influencing skills at board level.
• Strong people leader: able to inspire, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
• Experience in a variety of client sectors, with proven experience working on global projects and advising international governments.  
• Familiarity with corporate governance and board-level reporting.
• Values-driven approach: independent thinking, inclusive leadership, and integrity in practice.

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How to Apply

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To apply, please submit your CV via the link. Following interviews with Ellwood Atfield, successful candidates will be invited for interviews with the firm.

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.