Over the coming weeks, we’re shining the spotlight on the people behind the profiles who make that possible. Today, we’re speaking to Peter Ferguson, Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice.
As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter is highly experienced in government relations and public affairs recruitment, advising some of the world’s leading communications consultancies, boutique agencies and global in-house teams. Known for his research-led, client-focused approach, Peter has successfully placed senior leaders, from Managing Directors at global agencies to securing top talent for international organisations across various sectors. Peter focuses on understanding what clients need and finding the talent that helps them build strong, effective teams.
I lead on senior-level public affairs appointments across consultancy, in-house and trade association roles, with a focus on the London and Washington DC markets. My work spans a number of key sectors including financial services, energy, healthcare, transport and infrastructure, working closely with organisations navigating complex political and regulatory challenges. Over the past six years I’ve helped clients strengthen existing teams with top talent and build new public affairs functions, with an emphasis on finding the right people to influence, engage and lead.
I began my career in executive search through a genuine interest in people. Before moving into recruitment I worked as a personal trainer and ski instructor, jobs that were all about building relationships, motivation and helping people reach their potential. Those same principles apply to headhunting, where I really enjoy working closely with both clients and candidates. Whether it’s building a team or helping someone take the next step in their career, people-first focus is still what drives me today.
In consultancy, there’s strong and growing demand for integrated professionals, those who bring together policy understanding with wider communications skills. Clients are increasingly looking for individuals who can shape messages, manage media and engage stakeholders across platforms, not just within the political sphere. We’re also seeing greater interest in candidates with cross-sector expertise, particularly in areas such as ESG, regulatory affairs and geopolitical risk, reflecting how public affairs is now seen as a core strategic function within many organisations.
I really enjoy the variety of clients we work with, it keeps things varied and interesting. One morning I might be supporting a logistics client in the US and that same afternoon working with an energy company in London. That breadth of work is both challenging and rewarding. On top of that, the culture at Hanson Search is excellent. I’m lucky to work with knowledgeable and collaborative colleagues who genuinely care about doing great work for our clients and candidates.
Be clear from the start. Defining the role and ideal candidate profile early on makes the search more focused and productive. Make sure you’re selling the business internally too, top talent will always have other options, so how you position your organisation matters. Keep the process simple. A three-stage interview is typically enough, as with long, drawn-out hiring processes you tend to lose great people. And once you find someone you love, move fast as chances are others will feel the same way.
Whether you’re hiring top Public Affairs talent or considering your next career move, Peter would be delighted to support you.
Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales.
enquiries@hansonsearch.com