The Mace Questionnaire: Marshall Manson, CEO, FleishmanHillard UK – “Politics is seeping into business through every crack”

Mace Magazine | 12th August 2026 | Lobbying, Political Consultants, Westminster Index

Marshall Manson, CEO of FleishmannHillard UK

The innovative digital comms veteran Marshall Manson, now CEO of FleishmanHillard UK, reveals how he misses The West Wing, was introduced to Westminster by Gyles Brandeth's political diaries and loves a serious lunch.

Marshall Manson oversees the global agency’s strategic direction, client growth and “talent development” across its UK operations. The American born corporate and govt affairs advisor, who began his career on the campaign trail in the US house elections of 1994, has been a pioneering innovator in digital comms and campaigning strategy for more than 25 years. He has also held senior roles at Brunswick, Ogilvy and Edelman. In 2015, he was included on Provoke Media’s Innovator 25 list.

“Politics is seeping into business through every crack and crevice, reshaping the corporate landscape in unexpected ways” observed Marshall Manson when he wrote a prescient 2025 report on industry trends in his former role as Chair of Corporate Affairs, Digital & Insight for FleishmanHillard in the UK.

“Companies can become political targets — sometimes intentionally singled out by politicians, at other times simply caught in the crossfire as collateral damage” he says. There is a “new pressure” on FTSE and corporate leaders to “speak up or speak out”.

But taking a political stance in today’s ultra non-Mad Men workforce culture also has its risks. “No one will thank you for disagreeing, and in today’s polarised society, doing so can result in boycotts, reputational attacks, or sustained scrutiny. And once you’re under the spotlight, it can be difficult to find a way out.” Below, he faces The Mace…

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