LONDON — Public affairs and corporate communications specialist Cavendish Advocacy has promoted director Gareth Morgan to managing director, as founder Alex Challoner steps back.

The consultancy was acquired by UK public affairs firm BECG in July 2020 to create a team of around 90 across the two brands. Challoner will remain on the boards of both Cavendish Advocacy and BECG, focusing on growing the public affairs offer across the group.

Challoner (pictured, right) said: “Establishing Cavendish 17 years ago has been one of my proudest achievements and in Gareth we have the right person to drive the next phase of its development and growth”.

Morgan, (pictured, left), who has been with the firm for 16 years, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking over the reins from Alex at what is a very exciting for Cavendish Advocacy and the BECG group. We have had fantastic growth over the past year, both in terms of clients and team members and I am looking forward to continuing to push the business forward into new sectors.”

BECG chief executive Stephen Pomeroy added: “I am delighted that Gareth is set to become Cavendish Advocacy’s new managing director, his political insight and strategic thinking is up there with the best in our industry.”

Cavendish Advocacy’s clients include Google, Starbucks and Infosys.