Brunswick hires ex-Downing Street chief foreign policy adviser

Mace | 2nd September 2026 | Moves

John Bew has joined Brunswick as a senior adviser in its geopolitical practice.

John spent more than five years as chief foreign policy adviser in Downing Street from 2019, during which time he was involved in three national security strategies, the formation of AUKUS, the UK’s response to the war in Ukraine, and major G7, G20 and NATO summits. Bew is Professor of History and Foreign Policy at King’s College London, a senior fellow (adjunct) at the Hoover Institution, a visiting fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and a senior adviser at the Australian National Security College. He is the author of five books, including Citizen Clem, his award-winning biography of Clement Attlee. Sarah West, Brunswick UK & Europe managing partner, said: “I am delighted to welcome John to Brunswick. He is one of the UK’s foremost geopolitical experts, with experience from the top of government and national security. This appointment reinforces Brunswick’s unrivalled geopolitical advisory capabilities, and John will play a critical role in supporting our clients as they manage...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



Ex-L’Oréal and Heineken public affairs leader joins IPA

Mace | July 21, 2026

Richard Casofsky has experience at L’Oréal, Heineken, Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s now joins the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.

Topham Guerin names Andrew Hirst as first CEO

Mace | July 16, 2026

Specialist digital agency hired a senior figure from political communications, campaigning and strategy in Australia as its first chief executive.

Havas Red chief Rachael Sansom departs

Mace | July 15, 2026

Rachael Sansom, CEO for Europe and the UK, has announced her departure after seven years at Havas Red.

FTI Consulting hires ex-Three UK communications chief

Mace | July 9, 2026

Former director of corporate communications at Three UK, Juliet Callaghan, has rejoined FTI Consulting’s UK Strategic Communications segment.

Ex-Cow Managing Director joins The Academy

Mace | July 9, 2026

Former Cow managing director Matt Wilcock has been brought in by Consumer PR agency, The Academy.

Ex-Downing Street comms chief joins agency

Mace | July 9, 2026

James Lyons, the former director of strategic communications at No. 10, has joined Penta Group.

Welsh Water appoints head of public affairs

Mace | July 7, 2026

Welsh Water said the creation of the head of public affairs role “signifies the importance of, and our commitment to, ensuring appropriate and timely engagement with elected representatives.”

Ex-Global Counsel director joins Apella Advisors

Mace | July 7, 2026

Strategic communications agency Apella Advisors has hired the former Global Counsel as a partner.

Portland names new public affairs Managing Partner

Mace | July 7, 2026

Portland has appointed Tom Rayner as the new Managing Partner of its public affairs and policy team.

Ex-Conservative Party director joins Atticus Partners

Mace | July 7, 2026

Political communications agency Atticus Partners hired a former Conservative Party political director Adam Wildman.