LONDON — FleishmanHillard UK has bolstered its international affairs offer, appointing Mike Kelly as a director with a portfolio that includes nation branding, humanitarian, and philanthropic campaigns.

Kelly joins from health-tech scale-up Cera, the UK’s second-ever healthcare unicorn, where he built the public relations and public affairs function across multiple markets. Before that, he spent five years with Edelman as part of its international affairs practice, advising governments, private sector organisations, foundations and NGOs.

FleishmanHillard UK’s international affairs team supports foreign governments, foundations and multinational companies on diplomacy and geopolitics, trade and foreign direct investment, climate change and humanitarian issues with communications, stakeholder outreach, public affairs, and digital advocacy.

Kelly will report to senior partner and head of international affairs Michael Hartt, who said: “Our clients are facing world-changing events and issues at a relentless pace. After a successful 2021, we’re delighted to have Michael and other new colleagues join our international affairs team at a time when our clients’ need for effective, thoughtful communications and public affairs consultancy on these challenges has never been greater.”

Other recent hires to the UK international affairs team include Alexandra Martin, who joined last month as an account manager from OPRG Netherlands, and previously held communications coordinator roles at the International Criminal Court and Save the Children International. Tim Harding also recently joined as an associate director from the UK Department of International Trade, where he specialised in investment and trade with Japan and Korea.

Kelly said: “The calibre of clients, and quality of work, which has been undertaken by the International Affairs team at FleishmanHillard is incredibly inspiring, and a journey which I’m greatly excited to play a role in moving forward. Now, more than ever, practical and informed guidance on complex international issues is of enormous value to clients. I look forward to working with Michael and the wider team to help further develop our offering and accelerate our growth into new markets and industries.”