David joined Hawthorn from the Public and Government Affairs team at Edelman, where he advised a range of clients in sectors including agri-tech, food manufacturing, pensions and trade.
From 2019-2021, David was Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip. During this period he advised on the passage of hundreds of pieces of legislation, much of it crucial to EU exit and the pandemic response. His brief also included the sensitive disciplinary and party management functions undertaken in the Whips’ Office. In this role he developed deep expertise both in the policymaking process, and in the mechanisms by which legislation is drafted, scrutinised, amended and passed into statute. He was also closely involved in the process of regulatory reform.
After leaving the Whips’ Office, David was Special Adviser in two Government Departments, overseeing legislative strategy and parliamentary engagement; first at the Northern Ireland Office and later at the Ministry of Justice. Prior to working in Government, he spent years working in the House of Commons.
Joe has a passion for and expertise in global public affairs, helping large multinationals to understand and navigate complex and fast-moving policy and regulatory systems. Within this, he specialises in the FMCG sector, including food and beverage, plastics and packaging and climate and energy. During his career he has supported such companies as Coca-Cola, Mars Wrigley, Sainsbury’s, Ørsted, McCormick & Co and Associated British Foods with their communications and public affairs challenges. He is an active member of the Labour in Communications policy networks for both health and social care and food and environment.
Joe completed his History BA and Historical Research MA at the University of Sheffield, with his Master’s dissertation focusing on the intersection of the American Advertising Industry with wider society and politics in the 1950s and 1960s. He maintains a keen interest in modern political and social history, as well as being a keen sportsman.
Lucy is a Senior Consultant at Hawthorn, supporting clients in financial communications, tech, and corporate PR.
Prior to joining Hawthorn, Lucy worked at a London-based strategic advisory firm. There she advised leaders in both business and government facing complex reputation, policy and communication challenges.
She is experienced at working with clients on all aspects of strategic communications, delivering high-profile events for the UK government, campaigns and narratives for multinationals, and speeches for global leaders.
In her spare time, Lucy enjoys painting, travelling and playing football for her local South London team.
Tilly is a Senior Consultant at Hawthorn, focused on delivering a range of creative, strategic campaigns for influential global businesses across technology, media and education.
Prior to Hawthorn, Tilly advised authors on digital marketing strategy at a UK-based publishing company and interned at a popular London radio station. She holds a Master’s degree in International Peace and Security from King’s College London and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Philosophy from Cardiff University.
Inside and outside of the business, Tilly follows stories around geopolitics, culture and technology closely. She’s a dedicated member of her local running club and enjoys hot holidays, water sports and being in the outdoors.
Tabitha is a Senior Consultant at Hawthorn, supporting clients in financial communications and corporate PR. She is experienced at working with clients on all aspects of strategic communications, from building campaigns to proactive media relations, having worked across a range of sectors in the B2B space.
Prior to joining Hawthorn Tabitha worked with legal sector clients and conducted a high-profile PR campaign with the team of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
In her spare time, Tabitha enjoys singing, doing the New York Times crossword, and supporting Arsenal Football Club.
Simon Woods manages Hawthorn’s investor relations and financial communications function across a number of sectors, including energy and industrials, agriculture, technology, retail and financial services.
Simon has vast experience advising companies through a range of financial events and special situations, including navigating the financial calendar, handling M&As, IPOs, secondary fundraises, and responding to litigation cases and crises. Given his significant exposure to carbon-intensive industries, he has taken a great interest in helping businesses define their sustainability values and develop reporting programmes that aim to position his clients as ESG leaders in their fields.
Over the course of his career, Simon has advised over 70 companies globally across the London market as well as international markets such as the Oslo Børs, New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. These companies span blue chip corporations to smaller growth businesses.
Simon has trained with the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments, taking on the Level 3 Corporate Finance Certificate.
Outside of work, Simon dedicates much of his time to his local rugby club, where he acts as Honorary Secretary and plays a key role in the Club’s 1XV team.
James Raftery is a Senior Consultant in Hawthorn’s International strategic communications team.
James advises corporate and individual clients on geopolitical strategic communications challenges, working with clients based in the Middle East, Europe, North America and further afield.
Before joining Hawthorn James worked as a freelance political analyst and researcher, advising the foreign ministry of a high-profile Middle Eastern government. James holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford, and an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from King’s College London, where his research focussed on political Islam and the political role of clerics in Saudi Arabia.
In his free time James enjoys cycling, cooking, reading and supporting Portsmouth FC.
Holly supports clients on both political engagement and strategic communications, focusing on delivering a range of creative, strategic campaigns. With a particular interest in the technology, science and energy sectors, Holly helps clients raise their profile, both in parliament and the media, and effectively supports the day-to-day running of accounts.
Prior to joining Hawthorn, Holly worked at an NHS organisation where she was part of the internal and corporate communications team.
Hamza is a corporate communications specialist advising private market and professional services firms. He works across private equity, private credit, wealth and fund management, helping firms to build their communication strategies and mitigate reputational risk. Hamza combines his in-depth market knowledge with proficient stakeholder management skills to aid clients across their critical corporate milestones.
Prior to joining Hawthorn, Hamza worked at Brunswick, Edelman and EY where he was responsible for strategizing and executing media relations plans to meet a range of communication goals and objectives.
Outside of the office, Hamza enjoys travelling with family and friends, long walks and reading history.
Dan Thomas is a Senior Consultant at Hawthorn, focused on advising financial services, energy and technology companies.
Dan has experience in advising leading institutions on corporate and financial communications, major transactions and issues management. He currently works with a range of global and pan-European alternative investment managers across asset classes, including private equity and real estate debt.
Dan graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in History.
Outside of work, he enjoys travelling and following Arsenal F.C.
