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SEC Newgate Global Team
WASHINGTON, D.C., & MILAN — March 26, 2025 — SEC Newgate, the global insight, communication and advocacy Group, today announced the launch of its Global Corporate and Geopolitical Advisory Council. This initiative brings together a distinguished group of subject matter experts and top counselors from across the globe to provide strategic advice and counsel to C-suite executives navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape.
“Managing corporate reputation across all stakeholders globally is a challenging job—especially as the world faces unprecedented challenges, transformational pressures, that offer both risks and opportunities,” said Fiorenzo Tagliabue, CEO at SEC Newgate. “Our new Advisory Council is designed to offer actionable, forward-looking insights that help our clients preserve their reputation, unlock opportunities for growth, and mitigate risks.”
The Advisory Council will provide expertise across a broad spectrum of issues, including trade and tariffs, demographics, national security concerns, economic trends, new technologies, shifting social norms, fragmented media landscapes and geopolitical dynamics. The Advisory Council will focus on strategic insights and counsel required to inform business decisions, understand and shape stakeholder perceptions and achieve favorable policy and regulatory outcomes to support business objectives. With a focus on corporate communications, crisis management, public affairs, financial communications and brand strategy, the Council aims to empower corporate leaders with the knowledge and strategies needed to succeed in today’s environment.
“From emerging markets to geopolitical tensions and the rapidly changing ways in which stakeholders access information, the challenges for businesses today are complex and interlinked,” said Dan Doherty, Global Chair of Corporate Affairs at SEC Newgate, who will lead the Advisory Council. “By convening SEC Newgate’s experts and leveraging our global reach, we will deliver the strategic counsel needed to navigate this moment and execute effectively.”
SEC Newgate’s Advisory Council includes counselors with a wide range of geographic, functional, and industry expertise. Our team features former elected officials, political strategists, regulators, academics, and journalists, bringing a wealth of perspectives to address the multifaceted challenges facing our clients including:
Dan Doherty, Global Chair of Corporate Affairs at SEC Newgate, is based in Washington, DC and leads the firm’s corporate, government, public affairs, and crisis specialties. He has extensive experience advising high-profile executives, governments and other organizations on complex geopolitical, regulatory, and reputation challenges.
Simone Ceruti, Head of Public Affairs and Vice President at SEC Newgate EU, has extensive insight and expertise, acquired in diverse executive roles, in developing and implementing multi-faceted internal and external consumer advocacy campaigns and strategies, building multi-stakeholder alliances, and representing strategic business interests in various international trade associations.
Sam Guthrie, Senior Advisor at SEC Newgate Australia, is a global reputational advisor with a strong focus on Asia, guiding corporations and industry leaders through complex policy, regulatory, and geopolitical challenges across the region. With senior experience in government, diplomacy, and corporate leadership, he specializes in helping organizations navigate energy, economic security, and cross-border market expansion while building trust and reputation in key Asian markets.
James Hill, Managing Partner, SEC Newgate Greater China, is a global reputational advisor with deep expertise in Asia, guiding corporations and investors through complex reputation management, crisis response, brand building, and cross-border M&A. With two decades of experience advising leading firms across the region, he helps organizations navigate high-stakes challenges, enhance market positioning, and build long-term trust in Asia’s dynamic business landscape.
Alistair Kellie, Practice Head, Communications at SEC Newgate UK, has over 25 years’ experience in corporate positioning and financial communications, advising a wide range of organizations in the UK and internationally. He has supported and defended against high profile domestic and cross-border transactions; provided crisis and issues management; advised on rebranding strategies and has led a number of award-winning media and policy campaigns.
Thyago Mathias, VP of Public Affairs/Brazil and Latin America at SEC Newgate, is a seasoned global reputational advisor with deep expertise in public affairs and advocacy, shaping regulatory and corporate strategies for multinational organizations across Latin America. With nearly 25 years of experience advising governments, major corporations, and think tanks, he specializes in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Mario Mauro, Senior Advisor at SEC Newgate, is a former Italian defence minister from Enrico Letta’s grand coalition government (April 2013-Feb 2014), a former Christian Democrat MEP (1999-2013) and former Vice-President of the European Parliament (2004-09) that offer expertise in geopolitics and defense policy.
Jim Papa, Partner at Global Strategy Group, is a trusted global reputational advisor, guiding CEOs and C-suite executives through high-stakes public affairs challenges across industries, from healthcare to technology and finance. With deep expertise in corporate strategy and a background in the Obama White House, he helps organizations navigate complex policy landscapes, shape public perception, and strengthen stakeholder trust.
Dilip Yadav, Found Partner, at SEC Newgate Affiliate First Partners India, is a seasoned global reputational advisor, specializing in public affairs, issues management, and leadership coaching, with a deep understanding of the Indian and Global South markets. As the founding partner of SEC Newgate’s India affiliate, First Partners, he has spent three decades shaping communication strategies, guiding Fortune 100 leaders, and building influential public opinion campaigns that drive impact.