LONDON — Financial, corporate communications, public affairs and campaigning firm Headland has appointed five new partners, including hiring financial and investor relations specialist Matt Denham from Teneo.

At Teneo, Denham was a managing director advising clients across sectors including aerospace, defence, engineering, infrastructure and construction on investor relations, financial communications, issues management and ESG strategy. During his time at the strategic communications firm he advised on Allied Universal’s takeover of G4S and the $18 billion IPO of Volvo Cars.

Denham joined Teneo in 2017 after more than a decade at specialist investor relations advisory firm Makinson Cowell, which was acquired by KPMG in 2013 and then became part of investment bank Lazard in 2020. 

Alongside Denham’s appointment, Headland has promoted four existing directors to partner: brand and campaigning specialist Jo White, who joined midway through 2021 and works with clients including Saga and the Lego Foundation; Tom Lawless, who joined in 2014 and leads the agency’s work advising clients on sustainability; Del Jones, who has been with Headland since 2016 and leads much of the agency’s work in the financial and professional services industry, with a focus on corporate reputation; and Dave Chambers, who also joined in 2016 and advises clean energy clients including Lekela, Iberdrola and ScottishPower.

Headland CEO Chris Salt said: “Though 2021 was tough for everyone, Headland’s commitment to serving clients’ all-round reputational needs translated into the agency’s strong growth. So it is especially gratifying to be in a position to extend our partner group by attracting the talents of Matt, and promoting from within the wonderful Jo, Tom, Del and Dave. Their experience, expertise, specialisms and leadership will be a big factor in Headland continuing to make a difference for clients.”

In May last year, Headland secured investment from LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group.

Other recent senior departures from Teneo include ESG specialist Jennifer Walmsely, who joined Dentons Global Advisors at the end of last year.