From Westminster to Washington: Global Experts in Public Affairs Recruitment

Since our launch in 2005, Hanson Search has built a successful track record of working across key markets in public affairs recruitment and government affairs recruitment including policy, government relations and communications. We support businesses, trade associations, think tanks and charities in finding top talent in government relations and policy through both executive search and recruitment.

A Global Network of lobbyist with Local Expertise

Our consultants are strategically based in key markets, including London, Brussels, Berlin, Paris, Washington, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, giving us unparalleled insight into local and global dynamics. We are deeply connected at the highest ministerial levels, working with ex-government ministers, MPs, political journalists, and seasoned professionals across highly regulated sectors, providing clients with unmatched expertise and talent. With Brexit and international trade agreements reshaping the political landscape, demand for public affairs professionals has never been greater. Businesses are lobbying at national and international levels to stay ahead in today’s dynamic economic, political, and social environment.

Connecting Businesses with Government Relations and Lobbying Experts across Sectors

We cover all industry sectors across public affairs recruitment, with particular expertise in highly regulated markets. We know public affairs jobs vary significantly. We are also seeing a rising demand for talent focused on sustainability policy and regulation, reflecting the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. We help organisations secure government relations and lobbying professionals who can navigate these complexities. Whether for consultancies or in-house teams, we place mid-to-senior-level professionals, including Policy and Public Affairs Managers, Account Managers, Managing Directors, Directors, Heads of Policy, and Board-Level Executives.

Our dedicated government affairs recruiters specialise  in connecting organizations with top-tier talent in the areas of government relations, lobbying, and public policy. As an international relations recruitment agency, we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses operating in complex political environments, both locally and globally. Our government job headhunters work closely with clients to identify and secure professionals with the skills and expertise to drive strategic influence, shape policy, and navigate regulatory landscapes.

Public Affairs Expertise and Thought Leadership

Our public affairs search team offers deep industry knowledge and access to the latest talent. We also host and sponsor key industry events to drive conversations on pressing issues. Recent events include Britain’s Green Ambition: Can Labour Lead the Charge?, Gender Equality in Public Affairs: How to Move Forward, and Navigating the Political Landscape in 2024. These events provide valuable insights into industry trends and offer unique networking opportunities for professionals and organisations alike.

Government Affairs and Public Relations Recruitment

We are always available for a confidential conversation. Whether you’re exploring new career opportunities, seeking advice on the public affairs and policy market, or learning how businesses are structuring their teams in London, the UK, or globally, we are here to help.

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Get in touch








    Introducing
    Our Experts

    With a network spanning the UK, Europe, USA, and the Middle East, our team of recruitment consultants are experts in sourcing the best talent globally. Contact us to find your next hire, from PR pros to digital marketing experts and beyond.

    • Global CEO, Regional Head of MENA

      Alice Weightman

      Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert: Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson...
    • UK & Europe Managing Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs

      Janie Emmerson

      Janie Emmerson: Janie leads Hanson Search’s UK & European based teams. From the London office, she guides and supports their...
    • Principal consultant, Sales & Marketing

      Nils Gerardin

      Nils Gerardin: Nils Geradin is a seasoned executive search and recruitment consultant with nearly ten years of experience placing senior-level...
    • Managing Partner, MENA

      Felice Hurst

      Felice Hurst: With nearly twenty years of experience in search and recruitment, and a decade of experience working in MENA,...
    • Managing Partner, Global Head of Corporate Affairs

      Katie Simpson

      Katie Simpson: Having previously spent 10 years in communications, Katie brings real industry insights into the hiring process. Taking her...
    • Partner, Global Head of Healthcare & Communications

      Amy Hayer

      Amy Hayer: Amy brings over 15 years of experience in executive search, with a focus on healthcare communications and international...
    • Partner, European Head of Public Affairs and Communications

      Barbara Ozanon

      Barbara Ozanon: With over a decade of experience in recruitment, executive search, and headhunting, Barbara Ozanon leads Hanson Search’s European...
    • Managing Consultant, Public Affairs & Policy, UK & USA

      Peter Ferguson

      Peter Ferguson: As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter advises and supports some of the world’s most...
    • PA to CEO & Business Support

      Sam White

      Sam White: Sam joined Hanson Search in 2016 as an internal recruiter, bringing prior experience as an independent headhunter. Today,...
    • Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion

      Robyn Field

      Robyn Field: As Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion, Robyn is responsible for all business and administrative operations at Hanson...
    • Senior Consultant, Head of Digital

      Daisy Hughes

      Daisy Hughes: Daisy brings nearly a decade of recruitment experience to her role at Hanson Search, where she leads the...
    • Consultant, MENA

      Lexi Smith-Muller

      Lexi Smith-Muller: Lexi has over 10 years’ experience of recruitment & talent acquisition, and over 6 years’ experience working in...
    • Principal Consultant, Communications & Marketing

      Helena Ranger

      Helena Ranger: Helena is the Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR and Marketing. She plays a pivotal role...
    • Advisor

      Nicholas Watkins

      Nicholas Watkins: Nicholas has over 30 years of business leadership experience that combines successful careers in the media, leisure and...
    • Senior Consultant, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability

      Allyson Kurian

      Allyson Kurian: Allyson is a specialist in corporate affairs and sustainability communications, working at the mid-to-senior end of the market,...
    • Senior Consultant, Communications, Europe

      Camille Chevallier

      Camille Chevallier: Having started her career as a comms professional, Camille spent 20 years in senior roles within leading agencies...
    • Business Support

      Mirjana R.Dejanovska

      Mirjana Dejanovska: Mirjana is Talent Strategist & Customer Success Manager at our sister company, The Work Crowd. Mirjana joined Hanson...
    • Internal Recruitment & Operations Lead

      Katie Cubbon

      Katie Cubbon: Katie manages internal recruitment at Hanson Search, while also overseeing office management and business operations. With experience across...
    • Researcher

      Arlena Butt

      Arlena Butt: Arlena is a valued researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the team across Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Health and...
    • Researcher

      Kristina Ugrin

      Kristina Ugrin: With more than 10 years’ experience in the UAE and Europe, in recruitment consultancy, event management and in-house...
    • Partner, Global Head of Sustainability

      Johnny Goldsmith

      Johnny Goldsmith: Johnny leads the global Sustainability & ESG practice at Hanson Search. He has over 8 years’ experience in...
    • Senior Consultant, Corporate & Financial Communications, UK & USA

      Rachel L’Estrange

      Rachel L’Estrange: After spending six years in Corporate PR and Marketing, Rachel made the move into recruiting for the industry...
    • Business Support

      Ivana Stevanovska

      Ivana Stevanovska: Ivana is Community and Marketing Executive at our sister company, The Work Crowd. As well as being highly...
    • Head of Interim Communications

      Ben Mitchell

      Ben Mitchell: Head of Interim Communications Ben is Head of Interim Communications and works across both Hanson Search and our...
    • Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment Services

      Madeleine Weightman

      Madeleine Weightman: Madeleine is Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment and co-Founder of The Work Crowd, the sister company...
    • Search Director, MENA

      Amanda Dowie

      Amanda Dowie Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global recruitment experience, including more...

    Industry Interviews

    • Career

      Recruitment

      Camille Chevallier, Meet the Consultant

      By Hanson Search
    • C-suite & Advisory

      Career

      Leadership Lessons with Clément Reyne, Co-founder and Partner at WEMEAN

      By Camille Chevallier
    • Career

      Public Affairs

      Leadership Lessons with Christopher Snelling, Policy Director at AirportsUK

      By Peter Ferguson
    • Career

      Public Affairs

      Leadership Lessons with Stéphane Harrouch, Public Affairs Senior Partner at Portland Paris

      By Camille Chevallier
    • Career

      Public Affairs

      Leadership Lessons with Daniel Gilbert, Partner at Shearwater Global

      By Peter Ferguson
    • Career

      Public Affairs

      Leadership Lessons with Fraser Raleigh, Managing Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations at SEC Newgate

      By Peter Ferguson