NEW YORK - Maltin PR has hired seasoned communicator Ryan Hughes to lead its operations and growth in the United States. As partner and head of U.S. operations, Hughes will oversee client service, business development, and strategic positioning across its expanding American portfolio, it said in a statement. 

With more than 13 years of experience across public affairs, litigation communications, and corporate reputation, Hughes brings a unique breadth of communications expertise and a proven track record of delivering results in high-profile, high-stakes situations. He has advised clients ranging from global corporations to public figures, as well as fast-growing startups in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Specifically within the litigation communications space, Hughes has had the opportunity to lead communications work on several high-profile and sensitive legal matters. This has included providing litigation communications support to the 9/11 families in their pursuit of justice against international state sponsors of terrorism in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

He later served as the lead communications advisor during the landmark Kleiman v. Wright trial – a case that centred on the disputed identity of Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, and ownership of the “Satoshi” Bitcoin wallet, valued at $66 billion. His strategic guidance was pivotal in navigating the complex media landscape surrounding this precedent-setting cryptocurrency case.

“We are delighted to welcome Ryan to the firm. His exceptional track record, spanning political communications, crisis and litigation PR, and corporate reputation management, makes him a key addition to our senior team," said Tim Maltin, managing partner of the firm. "Appointing a head of U.S. operations is a natural strategic next step in our evolution as a truly global communications firm. His appointment marks an exciting step forward for Maltin PR as we continue expanding our presence in the United States to serve our clients across international jurisdictions.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining Maltin PR at this pivotal moment for the firm. Maltin’s reputation for excellence in litigation and reputation management is second to none, and I look forward to building on that success by bringing our integrated, high-touch approach to new clients across the U.S," said Hughes.

Maltin PR now comprises a team of more than 40 legal and litigation PR, reputation management and crisis communications experts, with offices in London, Washington D.C., Chicago, IL, and Santa Barbara, CA.