Specialist skills and expertise

Our clients are at the heart of DRD Partnership and we have built our business to meet their needs. As the issues facing them grow ever more complex and fast-paced, so we continue to enhance our team to ensure we can provide the specialist skills and expertise required.

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Alasdair Douglas

Chairman

Alasdair Douglas
Chairman

Alasdair is a well-known figure in London’s legal and professional services sector. Previous roles include chairing LawWorks, the solicitors' pro bono charity, the City of London Law Society, Aviate Global LLP, the international stockbroking business and The Tree Council. For 25 years, he was a corporate tax lawyer, including stints as Managing Partner and, latterly, Senior Partner, with Travers Smith. He currently co-chairs the Conservative Party Business and Entrepreneurs Forum. Alasdair has extensive experience in dealing with regulators, government departments, the legal and professional services sector, private equity businesses, fund managers and regulated entities.

Email: Alasdair.Douglas@drdpartnership.com
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Claire Davidson

Partner

Claire Davidson
Partner

A co-founder of DRD Partnership, Claire has worked across a wide spectrum of sectors, delivering strategic communications programmes in over 100 countries, across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. At board and trustee level, she advises clients on value protection, risk mitigation, issues management, crisis management and litigation communications. Claire has supported Family Offices as well as HNW and UHNW clients and works with membership organisations, global institutions and charities. Cases supported include a number in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal in the Hague. A trained mediator, Claire also provides guidance on historic and current safeguarding and employment matters.

Email: Claire.Davidson@drdpartnership.com
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Lawrence Dore

Partner

Lawrence Dore
Partner

Lawrence trained as a fund manager before moving into investor relations and later financial communications at Citigate and Brunswick. Lawrence co-founded Mantra PR in 2001, ultimately selling the business to a private equity backed marketing group. Lawrence then took an interim role as Head of Financial and Corporate PR at M&S plc before co-founding DRD Partnership in 2012. Lawrence specialises in supporting clients through crises, disputes and litigation and has worked across multiple sectors and geographies. Lawrence is individually ranked by Chambers for both Litigation Support and Crisis & Risk Management. He is a Spear 500 Top Recommended Reputation Manager, and a Lawdragon Top 100 Global Leader in Legal Strategy and Consulting. He is also a Legal 500 Top Tier Provider in Disputes Services.

Email: Lawrence.Dore@drdpartnership.com
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Kate Miller

Partner

Kate Miller
Partner

A former lawyer, Kate has over 25 years’ experience advising corporates, institutions and individuals on a broad range of communications issues. She is Tier One ranked by Chambers and Partners for both Litigation Support and Crisis & Risk Management, recognised as a Lawdragon Global 100 Leader in Legal Strategy and a recommended Spear's Reputation Manager. Her areas of focus include reputation and crisis management, litigation communications, media and stakeholder relations, and profile building and safeguarding. Kate started her career as a litigator at law firm Allen & Overy in London, qualifying in 1997. In 2000 she moved into communications, spending the first 12 years at Brunswick specialising in financial communication for corporates, including mergers and acquisitions, financial calendar, corporate positioning, crisis and litigation. Since 2012 she has focused on reputation management for companies, institutions, charities and private clients, with many of her clients having an international footprint across diverse geographies.

Email: Kate.Miller@drdpartnership.com
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Jon McLeod

Partner

Jon McLeod
Partner

Jon specialises in regulatory policy challenges and has advised businesses and individuals on political relations, corporate governance, dispute resolution and reputation management. He brings connections across political parties, the law and multiple industry sectors; he has particular knowledge of communications challenges arising from competition and anti-trust matters, where he has worked alongside leading legal firms in a wide range of transactions and investigations. In 2021, Jon delivered the launch of the Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS). Previously he was a Partner and Head of Public Affairs at Brunswick. Jon spent 21 years at Weber Shandwick, latterly as chair of its UK corporate, financial and public affairs practice, and of its Manchester office. Clients counselled include those in sports business, media, heavy industry, raw materials, technology, life sciences, leisure, trade and professional services.

Email: Jon.McLeod@drdpartnership.com
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Simon Pugh

Partner

Simon Pugh
Partner

Simon has nearly 20 years’ experience working in corporate affairs. He has deep expertise advising clients and their legal teams on a range of high-profile dispute resolution matters and other contentious situations. His practice spans commercial litigation, group claims (where he has acted on both the claimant and defendant sides), judicial reviews, investigations, and reputation management. He is individually ranked by Chambers & Partners for both litigation communications and crisis management. Clients have praised his strategic thinking and his constant availability. Simon began his career in public affairs and continues to provide advice that takes into account all of the audiences that matter to his clients. He has trained executives to appear before Parliamentary Committees, as well as advising on high-risk political and regulatory matters.

Email: Simon.Pugh@drdpartnership.com
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Kathryn Barnes

Business Operations

Kathryn Barnes
Business Operations

Kathryn is Business Operations Manager at DRD Partnership, bringing over a decade of experience across marketing, operations and administration in both the UK and South Africa. She holds a degree in Communications Management and has previously worked with leading global brands and organisations, including Standard Chartered and Marsh & Parsons. At DRD, Kathryn plays a central role in the smooth running of the business, overseeing operational delivery while supporting the firm’s marketing and business development activities. Her remit spans office and team management, event strategy and execution, and the coordination of internal processes that underpin high-quality client service. Known for her organisational rigour and attention to detail, Kathryn is instrumental in ensuring the firm operates efficiently and presents itself to clients and stakeholders at the highest standard.
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Dulcie Brennan

Associate

Dulcie Brennan
Associate

Dulcie is a communications specialist who supports a range of clients, with a particular focus on litigation, regulation and crisis issues management. Dulcie has worked with global organisations, member associations, and high-net-worth individuals to develop communications strategies, manage reputational issues and navigate change. She graduated with a law degree from the University of Manchester and then completed the LPC at distinction grade with the University of Law.

Email: Dulcie.Brennan@drdpartnership.com
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Anna Cacciaguerra Ranghieri

Director

Anna Cacciaguerra Ranghieri
Director

Anna works in DRD’s Crisis and Litigation practice, having advised major global corporates, multi-jurisdictional litigations, philanthropic organisations, international governments and agencies. She works closely with legal counsel, and specialises in the education sector, having advised numerous well-known schools in navigating the Everyone’s Invited movement exposing peer-on-peer sexual abuse, alongside major safeguarding crises, employment matters, investigations, criminal proceedings and transactions. She recently advised a major university group facing a high-profile employment tribunal, concerning matters around discrimination, freedom of belief and gender identity. Prior to her work in the communications sector, Anna worked in Westminster for an MP. Anna holds a degree in Modern Languages from the University of Durham, and speaks French and Italian.
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Iona Cross

Associate

Iona Cross
Associate

Iona is a strategic communications specialist with a particular focus on crisis, reputation management and litigation. She has worked on a number of class actions and high-profile court cases, often in situations where legal, reputational and media issues intersect, and has counselled clients across a wide range of sectors and international jurisdictions, including the GCC. Iona is also a member of the firm's schools practice, advising educational institutions on safeguarding and other sensitive matters. Prior to joining DRD, Iona gained experience in the office of Tim Farron MP while he led the Liberal Democrats. She attended the University of Edinburgh and holds a BA in Politics.

Email: Iona.Cross@drdpartnership.com
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Freddie Eltringham

Senior Analyst

Freddie Eltringham
Senior Analyst

Freddie supports a range of clients across DRD's core practice areas, with a particular focus on public affairs, crisis communications and complex litigation. He has worked with major corporates, governing bodies and private clients to deliver communications strategies at moments of challenge. Before joining DRD, Freddie gained experience across Government departments and leading City law firms. Freddie remains actively engaged in Westminster affairs and is a member of the Labour Party. He holds a BA in Politics and Philosophy from Durham University.
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Aryan Gazeri

Analyst

Aryan Gazeri
Analyst

Aryan supports clients across DRD’s core practice areas, contributing to research, analysis and client delivery as part of the firm’s team. He brings a strong grounding in transatlantic politics, informed by a first-class BA in Politics and American Studies from the University of Nottingham, including a year abroad at Mercer University in Georgia where he was named to the President’s List and Dean’s List, and an MSc with Distinction in United States History and Politics from University College London, where he was awarded the Roosevelt Dissertation Prize. His academic and international experience have given him a strong understanding of British and American politics, policy and public affairs.

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Tom Fisher

Analyst

Tom Fisher
Analyst

Tom operates across DRD’s core practice areas, and has worked with private clients, corporates, law firms and charities, focusing on complex communications challenges, campaigns and government engagement strategies. Prior to joining DRD, he gained experience interning at a public affairs and speechwriting consultancy and clerking at the Royal Courts of Justice. Tom holds a First-Class degree in History & Politics from the University of Cambridge, becoming a Junior and Senior Scholar of Trinity College and recipient of the College Language Bursary. He also won a scholarship to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Chicago, where he focused on international affairs.
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Sofiat Kolawole

Senior Associate

Sofiat Kolawole
Senior Associate

Sofiat Kolawole is a strategic communications specialist who works across crisis and issues management, litigation communications and media relations. She advises national and multinational businesses, public sector organisations, charities and non-profits, and private clients on a wide range of contentious matters, including complex disputes and litigation, complex organisational restructurings, cyber security breaches, ESG challenges, social activism and criminal allegations. She has broad experience implementing crisis preparedness frameworks, delivering stakeholder, campaign and press office management and managing multi-market crisis response. Sofiat is one of DRD’s experts in investigating and responding to the reputational challenges of the rapidly evolving modern media and social media landscape. Prior to joining DRD, Sofiat worked at large international communications agencies Ketchum, Hill & Knowlton and Burson as a crisis and issues specialist. She has been recognised for her diversity, equity and inclusion advocacy in the PR industry, having been awarded the inaugural Provoke “Young Changemaker of the Year UK and EMEA” Sabre Award in 2022. She holds a BA (Hons) in Modern Languages & Cultures from Durham University and speaks French and Spanish, having spent time living and working in France and Spain.
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Viktor Koleda

Director

Viktor Koleda
Director

Viktor is a Director at DRD, advising on crisis and litigation communications, with a focus on complex, often international mandates. He acts for global corporates, investment funds and their portfolio companies, institutions and high-net-worth individuals when litigation, public scrutiny or significant corporate change create material reputational risk. His experience spans cross-border disputes, investigations, shareholder activism, restructuring, governance challenges and other sensitive corporate situations. He works closely with senior leadership and legal teams to protect clients’ broader commercial and reputational position. He has particular depth on mandates across Africa, Europe and Central Asia, including politically sensitive proceedings and matters involving complex government, media and stakeholder dynamics. Viktor is recognised by Chambers & Partners as an Associate to Watch in Litigation PR & Communications. He holds a first-class honours degree in History from Durham University and an MSc with Distinction in Politics and Communication from the London School of Economics. Originally from Novosibirsk, he is a native Russian speaker and also speaks German.

Email: Viktor.Koleda@drdpartnership.com
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Jelena Kudelko

International

Jelena Kudelko
International

Jelena brings more than a decade of strategic communication experience, working in boutique agencies based in London and Dubai, where she has advised global brands, government institutions, corporate entities, business leaders and private clients. She has developed deep expertise across a variety of sectors, with a particular focus on campaigning, government and diplomatic relations, crisis management, cross-border legal disputes and stakeholder engagement programmes. Jelena has significant experience in international promotion strategies for cities and countries. Notably, she advised an influential think-tank, promoting Italy as a prime destination for business and elements of the global financial system post-Brexit. She also supported Azerbaijan’s bid for Baku to host World Expo 2025. Her key responsibilities include overseeing the operational delivery of projects, managing coordination and planning and acting as the main point of contact for selected advisors, consultants and stakeholders both in the UK and internationally.
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Lana Madkour

Analyst

Lana Madkour
Analyst

Lana works across DRD's core practice areas, contributing to private client work, public affairs campaigns, and crisis management. She comes to DRD with a background in international development and legal advocacy, previously completing an internship in strategic planning and partnerships at the OPEC Fund for International Development and also gaining experience as a legal assistant specialising in family and immigration law. Having lived and worked across the United States, the Middle East, and Europe, and with fluency in Arabic and Spanish, Lana is well-versed in navigating complex, multicultural environments. Lana holds an MSc in Conflict Studies and Comparative Politics from the LSE and a BA in Politics from NYU.
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Anthony Rawstron

Senior Analyst

Anthony Rawstron
Senior Analyst

Anthony works across DRD’s core practice areas, with a particular focus on crisis and reputation management and public affairs. He has supported the delivery of international and regional campaigns for high-net-worth individuals, public bodies, educational institutions and multinational corporations, providing in-depth analysis of print, broadcast and social media across multiple geographies. Before joining DRD, Anthony supported the firm’s public affairs work as an intern. He also gained experience at a public affairs agency and directed a student-run international conference in London, developing a strong understanding of British and international affairs while building an extensive professional network. Anthony holds an MSc in Political Science (Global Politics) and a BSc in Politics.
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Oliver Simpson

Senior Analyst

Oliver Simpson
Senior Analyst

Oliver works across DRD’s core practice areas, with a particular focus on crisis & reputation management and on public affairs. Prior to joining DRD, Oliver gained experience in communications and government relations through his work in the voluntary sector on domestic and international advocacy projects. Since joining DRD, he has worked on a wide range of sectors, including financial and professional services for multinational corporate institutions, major energy infrastructure projects, education and with charities and foundations. He also has strong experience working on complex litigations with both national and international dimensions. Oliver holds an MSc in Human Rights from LSE and a BA from the University of Warwick in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
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Tamlin Vickers

Senior Advisor

Tamlin Vickers
Senior Advisor

Tamlin Vickers is based in Brussels where he advises on EU regulatory affairs and market entry. He was previously director of Atlas Capital Group, a boutique investment advisory firm providing high-level advice to western banks, corporations and family offices on entering China; as well as assisting Chinese conglomerates on expansion into Europe. Prior to that, Tamlin worked at Amec plc, a leading engineering consultancy specialising in the oil and gas market, where he advised senior management on the European economic and political landscape, and on business opportunities in the Far East. Tamlin has also worked in the European Corporate Affairs Division of Tesco plc and as Senior Advisor to a member of the UK Parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee. He read Law and French Law in London and Paris before completing a Master’s in European Governance at the London School of Economics.

Email: Tamlin.Vickers@drdpartnership.com
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Jemimah Watkins

Senior Associate

Jemimah Watkins
Senior Associate

Jemimah is a strategic communications professional specialising in disputes and crisis, with a background in advising corporate, private and government clients. She helps clients navigate reputational issues and position themselves effectively within the media landscape to achieve their strategic goals. Fluent in French, Jemimah has experience supporting clients through multi-jurisdictional disputes and complex legal challenges across a variety of courts. She holds an LLM in Law and Legal Practice from BPP University and a BA in Politics and International Relations from Loughborough University.
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Gina Watson

Senior Analyst

Gina Watson
Senior Analyst

Gina is a strategic communications specialist who supports clients across DRD’s practice areas, with a particular focus on crisis and issues management and integrated campaigns. She has worked with high-net-worth individuals, FTSE 100 companies, educational institutions and major membership organisations to navigate reputational issues and complex challenges. Before joining DRD, Gina worked at a leading global management consultancy, where she helped shape the firm’s corporate sustainability and responsible AI strategies and supported both internal and external engagement. She holds a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bath and gained political and communications experience interning as a Parliamentary Assistant to a shadow frontbench MP and at an award-winning media agency.
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Rachel Wells

Senior Advisor

Rachel Wells
Senior Advisor

Rachel is an experienced Brussels-based strategic communications advisor, with a multi-sector track record in corporate affairs and reputation management. Having previously worked at GSK as Communications Director for their global supply chain, Rachel has accrued over 20 years' senior professional experience working in corporate communications, engagement and partnerships in the FTSE 100, including at Vodafone and Britvic PLC. She read English Literature at Leeds University and also holds an MA from the University of Toronto in Canada.