H/Advisors Cicero announces Damion Potter, Global Public Affairs leader and former UK diplomat, as Executive Chairman

LONDON – H/Advisors, the global strategic advisory group owned by Havas, today announces that Damion Potter has been appointed Executive Chairman of Public Affairs in London. The announcement comes as part of an ongoing investment in public affairs by H/Advisors globally.

At the same time John Rowland, who has been interim CEO of H/Advisors Cicero since July, has been confirmed as permanent, cementing the leadership in London for the long-term.

Damion will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the agency’s strategic direction and building and maintaining high-level client and policy-maker relationships in the UK and globally.

He will work closely with John Rowland and Neil Bennett (Global Co-CEO of H/Advisors, also based in London) to drive growth, uphold H/Advisors’ reputation for excellence, and represent the agency at the highest levels of business and politics.

H/Advisors will also leverage Damion’s extensive international experience to help galvanise its growing roster of cross-border clients.

Previously, Damion Potter served as Global Chair of Public Affairs for Burson, where he integrated and developed the firm’s global public affairs assets across 95 offices and 40 countries, regularly advising clients on geopolitics, trade, and sustainability.

Before this, Damion was Vice President and Global Head of Policy and Government Affairs for Haleon, the consumer healthcare giant, playing a pivotal role in listing on the London and New York Stock Exchanges. He was responsible for setting global public policy objectives and government engagement across all markets.

While in public service Damion led the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Delivery Department for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), advising the UK Government on policy and leading the implementation of the World Leader Summit.

His diplomatic career included a posting as British Ambassador to Panama City and Head of Central America Network, where he negotiated the UK’s post-Brexit trade deal with six Central American nations. He also held senior diplomatic posts in Sweden, Taiwan, and Russia, focusing on strategy, trade, communications, and crisis response.

Damion also spent three years as the Communications Director and spokesperson for Disney-owned ESPN across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Fluent in English, French, Spanish, Russian and Swedish, Damion holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of Warwick.

Stéphane Fouks, Executive Chairman of H/Advisors and Executive Vice President of Havas, said:

Our world is more fragmented, faster-paced, and more demanding than ever. Clients are looking to us for our collective intelligence, our analytical strength, and our creativity to help deliver influence and to navigate shifting global issues. That’s why we’re delighted that a leader of Damion’s calibre and experience is joining H/Advisors. In just three years, we’ve built our group into a brand that stands as one of the most dynamic and influential networks in Europe. Our ambition does not rest there, and Damion will help drive forward growth in the UK while bolstering our cross-border public affairs advisory capabilities for clients.

Damion Potter, incoming Executive Chairman of H/Advisors Cicero said:

I am delighted to join H/Advisors at such an important time for policy makers, businesses and media. As Executive Chairman, I will help shape the consultancy’s strategic direction, maintain high-level client relationships, and ensure strong corporate governance. Working closely with the CEO and his team, we will support current and future clients across all sectors both defend and grow their business in a fast moving, ever-changing and complex world. I also look forward to working with the wider H/Advisors and Havas teams around the world on the geopolitical challenges that our clients face.

About H/Advisors

H/Advisors are strategic communications experts dedicated to enhancing reputation and building trust to fulfil ambitions. Founded in 2001, H/Advisors employs 1,500+ multi-disciplinary experts in 40+ offices across Europe, America, APAC and the Middle East. Driven by deep industry expertise and a problem-solving ethos, core specialisms include Crisis & Reputation Management, Corporate Communications, Digital, Data & Creative, Investor Relations & Financial Communications, Litigation, M&A & Shareholder Activism, Public Affairs & Policy Advisory, Sustainability & ESG, and Transformation & Change. H/Advisors is part of Havas, one of the world’s largest media, creative and entertainment groups. https://h-advisors.global

For more information, contact Kate Keepax, Global Chief Marketing Officer, H/Advisors.  [email protected]

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