MRM Appoints Public Affairs Specialist

MRM, the financial services communications consultancy, has appointed Paul Montague-Smith as its new senior counsel for public affairs.

Working with MRM to oversee its public affairs capability, Montague-Smith will provide counsel on political and regulatory issues impacting the financial services sector.

He will work across MRM’s broad spectrum of clients, which ranges from consumer-facing financial services businesses to institutional asset managers, acting as an in-house, on-hand strategist and adviser.

Paul – who launched The Public Affairs Support Service in July 2019 – has 29 years’ experience advising leading corporates, trade bodies and campaign groups on their engagement with government, regulators and other stakeholders.

He has worked across most sectors including finance and financial services, FMCG, technology, transport and infrastructure and education, creating and implementing a huge number of communications strategies and programmes to protect and build reputations, defend business models, open market opportunities, manage crises, support high profile deals, and run political campaigns to change legislation and policy.

Paul also spent two years within one of the world’s largest global banks, developing and implementing its engagement strategy and managing a portfolio of policy issues involving negotiations with government, legislation and high-profile appearances before parliament.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew Appleyard, CEO of MRM Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Paul to MRM. His experience across the public policy sphere, with a particular focus and understanding of financial services, is a huge asset to MRM Group and our clients.”

Paul Montague-Smith said: “We are entering another fascinating and important phase for policy and regulation, when effective public affairs will be crucial. I’m therefore delighted to be working with Andy and the team at MRM to advise on these issues.”