Acumen public affairs has announced an expansion of its team with four new hires to continue the development and growth of the company. The new arrivals include:

 

 

The announcement also coincides with internal promotions for Nikos Manaras (Account Director) and Fabienne Zwagemakers (Account Manager).

 

Reflecting on these developments, Acumen founding partner, Elaine Cruikshanks said, ‘We are very happy to announce such a considerable boost to the team and the company, which will help facilitate further development of our client portfolio and grow new business.’

 

David Gow, the former European business editor of the Guardian said, ‘I am delighted to be joining Elaine, Abigail, Giles and a young, dynamic team at Acumen as a senior adviser/consultant editor offering the fruits of half a century as a journalist, much of it spent in mainland Europe. Acumen is rightly proud of its independence as a public affairs and communications consultancy and I enjoy working with its hands-on, innovative partners and their colleagues in a friendly and creative environment at the heart of the EU.’

 

Elaine Cruikshanks commented, ‘David is joining us as a senior adviser and consultant editor. He brings a wealth of experience as a journalist/editor, media consultant, trainer, speech-writer and public affairs adviser in Europe. We look forward to working together.’

 

Katarina Hunter joins Acumen as Account Manager to help further the company’s growing portfolio of global clients in healthcare, energy and environment.  Her international communications practice extends across ten years, with experience in international government relations, stakeholder engagement and public affairs. During her career, she has built expertise in oil and energy, humanitarian affairs, and Middle East issues, and has developed a strong interest in global concerns of sustainability, environment and healthcare. Katarina has an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a BA (Hons) in European Studies from the London Guildhall University.

 

Nikos Manaras has been promoted to Account Director and Fabienne Zwagemakers to Account Manager. Nikos joined Acumen at the start of this year and has played a key role in further building the company’s healthcare client base. He is also the newly appointed Vice-Chair of Food, Health and Consumers at the British Chamber of Commerce | EU & Belgium.  Fabienne has been recognised for her ability to combine public affairs and public relations know-how on health, digital and environment policy issues.

 

The most recent additions to the team include Maissane Lahmar-Savage and Eva Grobbink, who join as public affairs and communications trainees, specialising in healthcare and transport.