Topham Guerin names Andrew Hirst as first CEO

Mace | 16th July 2026 | Moves

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

The appointment of Andrew Hirst to the CEO role marks a “new phase for the agency”, the firm said, as it “builds its work across markets, sectors and audiences”. From 2017 until stepping down in April this year, Hirst served as the federal director of Australia's right-leaning Liberal Party, overseeing national campaign strategy and organisational leadership. Earlier in his career, he was deputy chief of staff to then prime minister Tony Abbott and later served as the Liberal Party's director of communications. Topham Guerin said that as CEO, Hirst’s remit spans operations, client partnerships, and the agency’s strategic communications, campaigns, reputation, public affairs and influence work. Topham said: “Andrew is a trusted leader with deep experience across strategy, communications and high-pressure campaigns. His appointment strengthens TG as we build the agency for the future.” Founded in 2016 by New Zealanders Sean Topham and Ben Guerin, the agency works with clients including t...

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.



Natalie Buxton departs Weber Scotland to lead agency with ex-colleague

Mace | July 29, 2026

After two decades at Weber Shandwick, Natalie Buxton has left to lead Fenton Fitzwilliam.

Lexington appoints new senior advisor

Mace | July 29, 2026

Lexington Communications is a leading independent strategic communications consultancy based in the UK that specializes in public affairs, government relations, and reputation management.

Fenton Fitzwilliam strengthens UK leadership with two senior appointments

Mace | July 29, 2026

Fenton Fitzwilliam is an Irish-headquartered public affairs and strategic communications consultancy.

New No 10 comms unit revealed, led by former Sadiq Khan’s media director Sarah Brown

Mace | July 28, 2026

Led by Sarah Brown, former head of comms for Sadiq Khan, Andy Burnham's new Downing Street media operation will be “agile, media-savvy, and unflinchingly clear on its narrative”

No. 10 chief press officer leaves to join PR agency

Mace | July 22, 2026

Dan Mulloy, a government communications specialist, has moved into his first ever agency role.

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.

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.