Insights

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Patrick St Pierre

Patrick is an intern who graduated from Cardiff University in 2023 with a 2:1 in Politics and International Relations. Patrick recently completed an internship at a Scottish PR agency working with non-profit charities and sustainable energy clients. He also gained work experience at the British Council, the international cultural and educational opportunities NGO aiding with reports on refugee aid in Europe. 

At Cardiff he helped run the Cardiff Boxing Society as Vice President, putting on three shows that raised money for Women’s Aid and Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. He also competed for the club on an amateur level.

Outside of work he is a keen writer and editor of poetry, running his own independent poetry publishing house during lockdown called The London Poetry Collective which published over 20 poets globally. He is also a keen fan of Arsenal football club, cooking and rugby. 

Giulia Mereghetti

Giulia joined Hawthorn as an Analyst in April 2024.

Prior to Hawthorn, Giulia worked in the Press Relations Office at Kering’s headquarters in Paris, and was directly involved with cultural, financial, and corporate communications for the Group. Previously, she had worked at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where she managed client relations in a dynamic international community.

Giulia graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Classics, during which she especially enjoyed studying ancient philosophical texts.

She grew up in Milan and speaks Italian, English, and French. Giulia is passionate about fashion and modern art, and loves travelling in her free time.

Jack Seward

Jack graduated from Durham University with a BA in History in 2023, specialising in 20th-century political history and completing a dissertation on the role of the media in the First Gulf War.

During university, Jack gained work experience in the education, politics and legal sectors. Prior to joining Hawthorn, he spent time at an international executive search and advisory boutique, headhunting executives for a wide range of clients including FTSE 100 companies and public sector organisations.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys history, long walks (often with his family dog, Onslow), films and going to the gym.

Catherine Howe

Catherine joined Hawthorn as an Analyst in 2023, after a great summer internship in 2022. She supports a diverse selection of clients by providing research, analysis, monitoring, and media outreach.

Catherine holds a BA (Hons) in History and Politics (First class) and an MA in Political Science and International Relations (Distinction) both from the University of Liverpool. Her master’s thesis investigated the impact of ETA’s legacy on EH Bildu’s contemporary reach in the Basque Country.

Off duty, Catherine is a paddlesports instructor, windsurfing coach and keen sailor. She stays active in the winter months by bouldering and sport climbing.

Ralph-Lewis Ackah

Ralph is an analyst at Hawthorn. He works with a wide range of clients, helping provide political and media advice.

Prior to Hawthorn, Ralph was an intern at the Tony Blair Institute For Global Change and Cote d’Ivoire’s London embassy. He has experience in policy analysis and international affairs and is a keen historian having recently obtained a Master’s from University College London. Outside of work, Ralph is a keen runner and footballer. He also enjoys reading and 90s Hip-Hop. In addition, Ralph is a member of the Leathersellers company.

Jack Preston

Jack is an analyst, who joined Hawthorn in 2024 from a PR agency in Jersey, where he worked largely with financial clients.

Specialising mainly in data, technology and financial services, he supports his clients with research, monitoring, press releases, and analysis.

He holds a BA in Political Science and Russian Culture from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Outside of work, he is a keen sportsman, and also has a great interest in movies and history.

Josh Dowley

Prior to joining Hawthorn, Josh worked in investor relations at Darktrace PLC, a global AI cybersecurity company. Before joining Darktrace, Josh worked as an intern at an international conflict resolution charity.

Between leaving Darktrace and joining Hawthorn, Josh spent five and a half months in West Africa studying French and taking photography trips across the region. Josh graduated from Durham University in 2020 with a degree in Philosophy and he holds an MSc in Violence, Conflict & Development from SOAS University, with a focus upon modern conflict in Liberia. 

In his spare time, Josh is a keen fly fisherman, fly tyer and wood sculptor. 

Alex Weatherstone

Alex Weatherstone is an Analyst who joined Hawthorn after successfully completing our Summer Internship Programme in 2023.

Alex graduated from Loughborough University with First Class honours, where he studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and wrote a dissertation on the history of the British Empire and post-colonial pedagogy. Prior to joining Hawthorn, he gained experience in architecture, EMEA financial services, and with a national non-profit.

Alex leverages his multidisciplinary background with a critical and creative approach to work across his diverse client teams. He is responsible for supporting client communication objectives, political outreach, reputational management, and media relations.

Outside of work, Alex has interests in American history, film, travel, and running.

Trazel Azavedo

Trazel Azavedo is an Analyst at Hawthorn, supporting client accounts with research, analysis, and communications across various digital channels. Trazel has a keen eye for design, and helps brands and businesses tell their story visually, as well as in words.

Prior to joining Hawthorn, Trazel worked at digital marketing agency Merali Digital, supporting brands in their journey from board room concept to market success.

Regardless of whether it’s B2B or B2C, Trazel passionately believes that the core principles of effective marketing remain constant: the pursuit of relevance, context, and connection.

Alongside her role at Hawthorn Trazel is currently pursuing a Master’s in Marketing from Kings College London. Outside of work, Trazel is an avid reader, loves theatre and travel.

Tiann Franklyn-Odogwu

Tiann is an Analyst who joined Hawthorn in 2023 where she supports private and listed clients across various sectors with analysis, research and media outreach.

Prior to joining Hawthorn, Tiann worked at FGS Global where she worked across financial, corporate and digital communications. She also supported clients with their ESG communications, particularly focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion. She also has experience in B2C social media and influencer marketing.

Tiann graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2020 with an LLB in Law, where she took particular interest in human rights and volunteered with Amnesty International.

Outside of work, Tiann enjoys live music and can often be found at a concert.

Lucy Lamoury

Lucy joined Hawthorn as an Analyst in 2023 and provides research and media outreach for clients across a range of sectors.

Prior to starting at Hawthorn, Lucy was a reporter for the Scottish Daily Mail and MailOnline, where she covered general news, politics, and lifestyle. She also joined the MailOnline’s Royals desk for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Lucy graduated from Oxford University with a First-Class degree in Chinese Studies and spent time studying Beijing and Taiwan. She also holds an MA in Newspaper Journalism from City, University of London.