Our Team
Specialist skills and expertise
Our clients are at the heart of Birchwood Consultancy 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.
Jameson Blythe
CHAIRMAN
Jameson Blythe is a prominent figure in the global financial and professional services sector. His extensive career includes chairing renowned international investment firm, the Global Financial Services Association, and the non-profit organization, Green Earth Initiative. With over 25 years of experience as a corporate finance lawyer, Jameson has held significant roles such as Managing Partner and, subsequently, Senior Partner at many top firms.
Currently, he chairs several pro bono legal charities and co-chairs the International Business and Entrepreneurs Forum. Jameson possesses a wealth of experience in engaging with regulators, government bodies, legal and professional service organizations, private equity firms, investment managers, and other regulated entities. His leadership and expertise have made him a key advisor and strategist in navigating the complexities of the financial and regulatory landscapes.
Lydia Hartman
PARTNER
A co-founder of Global Communications, Lydia Hartman has an extensive background in strategic communications, delivering successful programs across more than 100 countries in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East. At the board and trustee level, Lydia advises clients on value protection, risk mitigation, issues management, crisis management, and litigation communications.
She has supported cases involving applications to 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. Lydia also provides expert guidance on historical and current safeguarding issues as well as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). As a trained mediator, she collaborates with advocacy groups in the EU, the US, and other international markets. Her broad expertise and strategic insight make her an invaluable advisor in the realm of global communications and risk management.
Olivia Turner
PARTNER
A lawyer by training, Olivia Turner brings over 20 years of experience in advising corporations, institutions, and individuals on a wide range of critical communications issues. Her expertise includes litigation communications, reputation and crisis management, media and stakeholder relations, profile building, safeguarding, and cyber issues.
Olivia began her career as a litigator at the prestigious law firm in London, qualifying in 1997. In 2000, she transitioned into communications, spending the first 12 years at Brunswick, where she specialized in financial communication for corporations, including mergers and acquisitions, financial calendar events, corporate positioning, stakeholder engagement, crisis, and litigation management.
Since 2012, Olivia has focused on reputation management for companies, institutions, and private clients, many of whom have an international presence across diverse geographies. Her extensive background and strategic acumen make her a trusted advisor in managing complex communication challenges and protecting client reputations.
Ethan Parker
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Ethan Parker transitioned into strategic communications after an 8-year tenure as a senior broadcast journalist at major news outlets like the BBC and LBC. Since then, he has worked at top boutique agencies, specializing in crisis and issues management, senior-level media coaching, and corporate positioning.
Ethan’s sector expertise spans financial and professional services, technology, and real estate. He holds a postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and serves as a visiting Lecturer at the London College of Communications. His deep understanding of the media landscape and strategic insight makes him a trusted advisor in navigating complex communication challenges.
Donovan Pierce
SENIOR ADVISOR
Donovan Pierce is based in Brussels, where he provides expert guidance on EU regulatory affairs and market entry strategies. Previously, he served as director of Meridian Advisors, a boutique investment advisory firm offering high-level counsel to Western banks, corporations, and family offices on entering the Asian markets; and assisting Asian conglomerates in their expansion into Europe.
Before that, Donovan worked at HydroTech Solutions, a leading engineering consultancy specializing in the energy sector, where he advised senior management on the European economic and political landscape and on business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. He has also been part of the European Corporate Affairs Division at GlobalMart Inc. and served as Senior Advisor to a member of the UK Parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee.
Donovan holds degrees in Law and International Law from universities in London and Paris, and he completed a Master’s in European Governance at the London School of Economics. His extensive background and experience make him a valuable asset in navigating the complexities of the European regulatory environment and global market strategies.
Mohamed Elmi
SENIOR ANALYST
Mohamed Elmi works across a range of clients, with a particular focus on public affairs and crisis management. He gained political experience as a Parliamentary Assistant intern for a Labour Party MP, providing research assistance and building relationships with key political stakeholders.
Mohamed has significant experience working in Africa, particularly in East Africa. He has advised clients on strategic communications, market entry, and stakeholder engagement across the continent. His work in East Africa includes supporting governmental and non-governmental organizations on policy development and crisis management, as well as collaborating with local businesses to navigate the regulatory and economic landscapes.
Mohamed’s extensive background in both European and African markets makes him a versatile and knowledgeable advisor in the field of strategic communications. His ability to bridge different cultural and business environments ensures that his clients receive comprehensive and effective solutions tailored to their specific needs.
In addition to his international experience, Mohamed has significant experience working in Africa, particularly in East Africa. He has advised clients on strategic communications, market entry, and stakeholder engagement across the continent. His work in East Africa includes supporting governmental and non-governmental organizations on policy development and crisis management, as well as collaborating with local businesses to navigate the regulatory and economic landscapes.
OLIVER SIMPSON
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. Oliver holds an MSc in Human Rights from LSE and a BA from the University of Warwick in Politics, Philosophy and Economics