Firm Continues to Grow in Europe and Around the World
9 July 2024 — DGA Group, an expert-led advisory firm, today announced expanded roles for four of its senior leaders: Grégoire Poisson has been named Global Head of Public Affairs, Katherine Morgan has been named Europe Head of Public Affairs, James Melville-Ross has been named Europe Head of Complex Communications Advisory, and Kieran O’Keeffe has been named Co-Head of the Brussels office (serving alongside Mr. Poisson). As part of their new roles, Ms. Morgan and Mr. Melville Ross will now join DGA Group’s Executive Committee, of which Mr. Poisson is already a member. These appointments reflect DGA Group’s ongoing commitment to help clients protect—and grow—what they have built by navigating public policy, engaging with stakeholders, utilising detailed insights to inform decision-making, and preparing for high-stakes moments.
“The appointments of Grégoire, Katherine, James and Kieran reflect the excellent growth in our business as DGA provides world-class expertise and integrated solutions for clients in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Deborah Scott, Head of EMEA at DGA Group. “Their combined expertise and leadership will strengthen our global and regional capabilities, ensuring we continue to deliver for our clients and build on our entrepreneurial and inclusive culture.”
Grégoire Poisson brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Global Head of Public Affairs. With a distinguished career in public affairs, he advises a diverse portfolio of clients in the energy, mobility and sustainability fields. In his expanded role, Mr. Poisson will work with DGA Group public affairs professionals and leaders to ensure the delivery of coordinated, high-quality service across all markets. He will also focus on enhancing business development opportunities, strengthening relationships between our public affairs experts in the European Union and United States, expanding our DGA Network of affiliate partners, ensuring the firm’s ability to provide public affairs services around the world.
As Europe Head of Public Affairs, Katherine Morgan will spearhead the growth, development and alignment of the public affairs practice across the region. Ms. Morgan’s extensive and widely recognised leadership in the UK public affairs industry and international experience uniquely positions her to lead the offering across Europe. In this new role, she will lead efforts to maximise client service by fostering strong relationships, understanding client challenges and providing innovative solutions.
James Melville-Ross, appointed as Europe Head of Complex Communications Advisory, will oversee the regional management of the practice that specializes in high-stakes communications issues, including crisis management and corporate reputation. Mr. Melville-Ross’s expertise in handling intricate communication scenarios will be instrumental in helping clients facing multifaceted challenges.
As Co-Head of the Brussels office, Kieran O’Keeffe will oversee all operations within the multidisciplinary Brussels-based team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality advisory services across various sectors. He will lead our team of experts, develop and implement strategic initiatives, shape and promote a positive office culture, and oversee business growth. This appointment marks another step into management for Mr. O’Keeffe, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and expertise within the firm.
Grégoire Poisson remarked, “Our clients require nuanced, cross-border strategies, and I am excited to work with our talented team worldwide to provide our clients with the insights and support necessary to navigate these challenges effectively.”
Katherine Morgan added, “As Europe confronts profound political shifts and pivotal elections, effective public affairs leadership is unquestionably vital. I look forward to collaborating with our clients and teams to develop strategies that drive success across the region.”
James Melville-Ross commented, “In today’s complex environment, it is crucial to have a comprehensive approach to managing high-stakes issues. I am thrilled to lead our efforts in Europe, ensuring we deliver tailored, effective solutions for our clients’ most challenging communication needs.”
Kieran O’Keeffe added, “I am honoured to lead our Brussels office at such a pivotal time. I look forward to leveraging and integrating the deep expertise of our team to support our clients and safeguard their permission to operate.”
Grégoire Poisson
Based in Brussels, Grégoire Poisson previously served as CEO of Interel, which was acquired by DGA Group in 2021, where he led the team to win multiple industry awards, including EMEA Public Affairs Consultancy in 2021 (PRovoke Media), Best EU Consultancy of the Year in 2017 and 2018, and was voted Consultant of the Year 2018 (Public Affairs Awards Europe). Committed to enhancing and protecting the critical role of public affairs professionals, he served as a board member of the European Public Affairs Consultancies Association.
Katherine Morgan
Based in London, Katherine Morgan provides strategic advice to a wide range of global institutions on political, policy, legislative and regulatory matters. She has a strong track record of running highly successful political campaigns and has worked to secure major legislative changes in the UK. Previously, she worked at a senior level in the UK Treasury and worked in the European Commission. Ms. Morgan is recognized in PRWeek’s Power Book, has been listed as one of the 100 most influential ‘Women in Westminster’, and has received numerous awards for her political and campaigning work.
James Melville-Ross
Based in London, James Melville-Ross has 30 years of experience counselling companies in areas such as reputation management, financial communications, employee relations, crisis and issues management, litigation, media relations and capital markets transactions. He is a specialist in crisis communication, guiding large and small companies through moments of significant reputational threat – cyber breaches, investor activism, litigation, pandemics, media investigations and product recalls. He also is a champion of diversity, equity & inclusion, and a campaigner for disability rights in the UK.
Kieran O’Keeffe
Based in Brussels, Kieran O’Keeffe works with a range of multinationals and trade associations, providing strategic advice on all aspects of European affairs. He has expertise across the technology sector including cybersecurity, privacy, AI, platforms policy and competition in digital markets. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. O’Keeffe was head of European affairs for the British Chambers of Commerce, and opened the association’s first Brussels office in 2008. He began his career as a researcher for a U.K. member of Parliament and government minister, who specialized in small-business policy.
About DGA Group
DGA Group is a global advisory firm that helps clients protect – and grow – what they have built in today’s complex business environment. We understand the challenges and opportunities in an increasingly regulated and interconnected world. Leveraging the expertise and experience of our team at Albright Stonebridge Group, a leader in global strategy and commercial diplomacy, and a deep bench of communications, public affairs, government relations and business intelligence consultants, we help clients navigate and shape global policy, reputational and financial issues.