LONDON — Boutique strategic communications firm Sermelo has hired corporate and reputation management specialist James Hardy as an associate director.

Hardy joins from Ketchum, where as part of the corporate reputation practice he worked with companies in the technology, finance, FMCG and media and entertainment sectors, including thought leadership programmes and supporting clients at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Before joining Ketchum, James worked for the Conservative Party, advising on communications strategy for the 2008 London Mayoral election, and then for the Prince’s Trust charity.

Sermelo was set up by former Burson-Marsteller UK CEO Jonathan Jordan in 2010 and has a core team of eight working with clients in financial services, manufacturing, and risk management.

Jordan said: “We are very pleased to welcome James to Sermelo; he has a broad skillset and an excellent track record of building client relationships and establishing trust with stakeholders. He also shares our commitment to professional development and capability building.”

Hardy, who will report to partner Ele Emmerson, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Sermelo and working with Jonathan and the team to help deliver continued client excellence during such an exciting time for the business.”