Our team

He founded WorldPR in the early 1990s, building a reputation for delivering high-stakes, cross-border campaigns for sovereign states and strategic actors, and for crisis communications at the very highest level.

Patrick’s influence began early. While at Oxford, he founded The Bruges Group in 1988 to challenge European federalism, attracting Margaret Thatcher as Honorary President in 1990. The group helped to shape the national debate that ultimately led to Brexit. In 1991 he joined the World Economic Forum as Special Advisor, working closely with Sony’s Akio Morita and forming a lifelong friendship with Dr. Henry Kissinger. In 1992 he authored Reshaping Europe in the 21st Century (Macmillan).

In 1997 he directed the £35 million campaign of Sir James Goldsmith’s Referendum Party, orchestrating the largest and most innovative political media mobilisation of its era and helping secure a national commitment to an EU referendum.

Internationally, Patrick has led landmark campaigns including the global branding of Kazakhstan, the lifting of EU sanctions on Austria, the Chechen recognition campaign, and strategic advisory to Zimbabwe’s opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. His crisis work has included securing the release of Augusto Pinochet, helping exonerate the Libyan wrongly accused in the Lockerbie bombing, supporting Bill Browder during the passage of the Magnitsky Act, advising on the arrest and indictment of fraudster Mukhtar Ablyazov, and guiding both Imran Khan and Carlos Ghosn through complex political challenges.

He is co-founder of Sovereign Solutions Ltd, which partnered Lord Rothschild with Tokyo investors to launch two Kazakhstan country funds with $350 million AUM, and creator of Sock!t, a real-time digital polling platform.

Patrick speaks four languages and continues to advise at the intersection of politics, business and global strategy.

Over three decades, John has led media companies in the U.S., Canada, and Europe ranging from $20m startups to $1.2bn corporations, managing teams from 100 to 10,000 employees. He has been involved in over $8bn in transactions, with a particular focus on growth and transformation in the media industry.

John is best known as the founder and former CEO of Digital First Media, which under his leadership became the US's second-largest newspaper company, achieving 383% revenue growth to $1.2bn. He also co-founded and led impreMedia, then the largest Hispanic media company in the US., where revenue grew 850% over five years. Earlier, he led a management buyout and transformation of Sun Media, creating Canada's largest newspaper group and delivering a 420% equity return on sale.

He currently serves as Chairman of The Independent and formerly chaired the Evening Standard. Under his leadership, The Independent doubled its revenue and became the UK's second-largest digital news audience. The title has been recognized as one of the most successful print-to-digital transformations globally and won the 2025 AOP Award for Best Digital Publishing Company.

He has also served as a director of The Guardian and chaired theguardian.org, supporting global investigative journalism. He is a former board member of El País and PRISA, which then controlled 20% of Le Monde.

Beyond media, he is Executive Chairman of BOAT International, Fine + Rare (global fine wine and spirits leader), and NUBA, the world's leading luxury travel group. He advises Informa, a FTSE 100 company, and serves on the investment committee of Pembroke VCT, a UK-based growth fund.

Appointed in 2020 by H.M. Government, he served a three-year term as a Non-Executive Director at the Home Office, contributing to governance and transformation. A Ryerson journalism graduate who completed the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration's Finance for Senior Executives programme, he was named US Publisher of the Year (2009) and an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

John also serves on MMG's Strategic Advisory Board.

He began his rise by transforming Caudwell Distribution from a loss-making UK mobile distributor into one of Europe's most profitable logistics and facilities management businesses. Under his leadership, revenues soared from £60 million to £1.1 billion through organic growth, culminating in a landmark £1.5 billion cash exit for the Caudwell Group to private equity in 2006—with zero warranties.

Mark was the founding Chairman and major seed investor in The Hut Group (THG), Europe's largest technology flotation. He played a critical role in shaping its early-stage vision and market strategy, guiding the business through its initial journey. THG floated for £5.6 billion on the London Stock Exchange, peaking at £7.6 billion in 2021.

As Executive Chairman and CEO of RTX, Mark led a complete business restructure—replacing the leadership team, raising over $100 million in institutional funding, renegotiating restrictive finance deals, and pivoting towards high-margin, contract-based revenues. He secured strategic partnerships with Tier 1 telecom players like Deutsche Telekom and enabled real-time embedded finance capabilities with banks such as Lloyds.

Mark's influence extends to advisory and board-level roles. He was a Business Advisor to the Bank of England's Advisory Panel and served as Chairman of Bespoke International Group in South Africa, overseeing its successful repositioning leading to its eventual sale. At Swappie.com, he was instrumental in sourcing a €100 million revenue-generating supplier and driving North American expansion.

His portfolio is marked by visionary investments, disruptive innovation and operational excellence. He has built and led teams of thousands of people, formed critical partnerships with companies like Vodafone and Motorola, and introduced key innovations to market—such as the UK's first mobile pre-pay packages and Tesco Mobile.

Mark Ryan combines deep sector knowledge, boardroom presence, and a consistent ability to scale businesses, making him a proven architect of commercial success in today's digital-first global economy.

He began his career in investment banking, holding roles at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, UBS and J.P. Morgan in New York and London. His work spanned quantitative research, risk modelling and structured finance. He later transitioned into the fintech sector, helping to shape innovative startups with AI-driven solutions. As a software programmer and technical lead, Julian has delivered impactful AI and machine learning projects across finance, healthcare, logistics and cybersecurity. Known for bridging complex mathematics with real-time systems, he designs intelligent tools that improve decision-making, predictive performance and automation. His work positions him at the forefront of AI-powered digital transformation across industries.

Trained in general internal medicine, diabetes and endocrinology, he has worked in Consultant roles at Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospitals trust, Oxford Universities Hospitals and Sussex Community Foundation trust.

He is passionate about healthcare innovation, good clinical governance and positive communication in medicine and is a Samaritans listening volunteer.

As Founder of Kingfisher Consulting and Crisis Director at Evoke International, he advises governments, corporates and defence clients worldwide. Formerly Managing Director at GardaWorld (UK), he oversaw over £100m in global diplomatic and security contracts. He led the transformation of Logan Energy into a £200m hydrogen tech business and, as a NATO Chief of Staff, driving major strategic initiatives, including operations countering Russian aggression.

Previously Commander of the British Army in Scotland and senior UK representative at US Central Command, he has worked with figures from President Obama to General Lloyd Austin. Deakin earned his CBE for pioneering NATO's early-warning crisis system and was awarded the OBE for Middle East operations. A multilingual strategist with two Master's degrees, he is also an Honorary Fellow at Birmingham University's Leadership Institute.

As Founder and Senior Partner of The Khan Partnership LLP, a London-based specialist full-service law firm founded in 2004, Hassan leads a team recognised for handling complex international litigation, arbitration and tax advisory work. Serving high-net-worth individuals, multinational corporations, and government entities, Hassan heads a recognised and highly successful tax litigation team.

The Khan Partnership has repeatedly been named Boutique Tax Litigation Law Firm of the Year (2013, 2014, 2017) and won the 2018 Country Award from InterContinental Finance & Law. Hassan himself is consistently endorsed in leading legal directories: ranked in Chambers UK Band 2 (tax: contentious/fraud) and featured by Legal 500 for customs and excise work.

Under Hassan's leadership, The Khan Partnership has embraced proactive, partner-led strategies, promoting ADR and mediation, while also maintaining a strong litigation record, regularly appearing before the Court of Appeal and European Court of Justice. His team routinely secures early-stage HMRC settlements, recovering significant funds for clients and successfully defending high-stakes cases in tax tribunals.

Clients value Hassan's "thoughtful and thorough" approach and his high degree of judgment, while his peers describe him as "one of the brightest … in MTIC fraud". His extensive experience also spans corporate and financial crime, insolvency and restructuring, commercial litigation, and asset-tracing across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the US.

Before establishing The Khan Partnership, Hassan worked extensively with multinational clients on tax and financial crime issues, building a reputation for tailored, discreet advice. He has led high-value cases involving VAT, customs, excise and fraud investigations, collaborating with specialist criminal teams to guide clients through regulatory scrutiny and criminal proceedings.

The Khan Partnership has become a go-to firm for clients seeking expert representation in complex, cross-border tax and financial disputes, blending commercial insight with rigorous legal strategy. Hassan's career is distinguished by consistent peer recognition, award successes, and landmark results in the most challenging arenas of tax law and international dispute resolution.

Hassan also serves on MMG's Strategic Advisory Board.

Over a four-decade career in intelligence, diplomacy and international security, Sir Richard played a pivotal role in shaping the UK's foreign policy and intelligence posture during a time of global geopolitical transformation, including the post-9/11 era.

Educated at Queens' College, Cambridge, where he studied History, Sir Richard joined MI6 in 1966 and rose through the ranks in postings across Africa, Europe and the United States. His field roles included key assignments in Nairobi, Prague, Paris and Washington DC, where he served as head of station. He became Director of Operations in 1993 before assuming the top role in 1999. As Chief, he oversaw the agency's global intelligence operations during a period marked by growing transnational threats, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a rapidly changing digital and security landscape.

After retiring from the intelligence service in 2004, Sir Richard transitioned into academia and advisory roles. He served as Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge from 2004 to 2015, where he strengthened the college's academic profile and international partnerships. He has since held numerous non-executive and advisory positions in the private sector, particularly in strategic risk, cybersecurity, and geopolitical analysis.

Sir Richard is also a Senior Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and frequently speaks and writes on intelligence, global security and UK foreign policy. He has contributed to public debates on the role of intelligence in democratic societies and the challenges posed by hybrid warfare, terrorism and emerging technologies.

Knighted in 2001 for services to national security, he was previously awarded the Order of the British Empire. Sir Richard is widely respected for his deep experience in matters of national and international importance. His legacy remains central to modern understanding of the role of intelligence in safeguarding democratic institutions in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Educated at Winchester, James commissioned into the Coldstream Guards in 1978. He served in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan, earning recognition for his operational acumen and decisive leadership. He commanded 39 Infantry Brigade in Belfast at a time of extreme inter-sectarian strife and was UK Ministry of Defence Director Counter-Terrorism during the 7/7 bombings in London.

From 2010 to 2011, he served as Deputy Commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, a force of 140,000 combat personnel, working alongside US and allied leaders during a critical phase of the campaign. In 2011, he assumed command of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, overseeing operational transformation and enhancing NATO's multinational command capabilities.

Following retirement from the Army in 2013, James became Chief Executive Officer of Weybourne, the Dyson Family Office, where he served until 2025. With the principal, he devised, developed and directed a wealth diversification strategy from first principles, creating two investment businesses and a farming operation, growing the Family Office into "one of the world's biggest" (The Straits Times 17/11/2022).

James also built and directed a new group holding structure, uniting the main operating business and investment entities under a single framework, with headquarters established in Singapore. He led a multinational team of executives, employees and board members across the UK and Asia and implemented robust governance structures for the family's global assets. His leadership was hailed by Bloomberg (3/3/25) which described him as "one of the world's most respected leaders for family investment firms."

James's public service and leadership are reflected in his lifelong dedication to excellence across military and civilian spheres. He continues to serve in advisory roles for a range of defence and broader commercial enterprises. He remains Colonel, Coldstream Guards, an appointment he has held since 2009, with oversight of the Regiment's serving and veterans' cohorts.

As Founder and Senior Partner of The Khan Partnership LLP, a London-based specialist full-service law firm founded in 2004, Hassan leads a team recognised for handling complex international litigation, arbitration and tax advisory work. Serving high-net-worth individuals, multinational corporations, and government entities, Hassan heads a recognised and highly successful tax litigation team.

The Khan Partnership has repeatedly been named Boutique Tax Litigation Law Firm of the Year (2013, 2014, 2017) and won the 2018 Country Award from InterContinental Finance & Law. Hassan himself is consistently endorsed in leading legal directories: ranked in Chambers UK Band 2 (tax: contentious/fraud) and featured by Legal 500 for customs and excise work.

Under Hassan's leadership, The Khan Partnership has embraced proactive, partner-led strategies, promoting ADR and mediation, while also maintaining a strong litigation record, regularly appearing before the Court of Appeal and European Court of Justice. His team routinely secures early-stage HMRC settlements, recovering significant funds for clients and successfully defending high-stakes cases in tax tribunals.

Clients value Hassan's "thoughtful and thorough" approach and his high degree of judgment, while his peers describe him as "one of the brightest … in MTIC fraud". His extensive experience also spans corporate and financial crime, insolvency and restructuring, commercial litigation, and asset-tracing across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the US.

Before establishing The Khan Partnership, Hassan worked extensively with multinational clients on tax and financial crime issues, building a reputation for tailored, discreet advice. He has led high-value cases involving VAT, customs, excise and fraud investigations, collaborating with specialist criminal teams to guide clients through regulatory scrutiny and criminal proceedings.

The Khan Partnership has become a go-to firm for clients seeking expert representation in complex, cross-border tax and financial disputes, blending commercial insight with rigorous legal strategy. Hassan's career is distinguished by consistent peer recognition, award successes, and landmark results in the most challenging arenas of tax law and international dispute resolution.

Hassan has served as External Legal Counsel to MMG since December 2024.

Educated at King's College London with a BA Honours degree, he rose to prominence as Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, a position he held from 1992 until her death in 2013. During this time, he became her most senior advisor, managing her post-office legacy with discretion and skill.

As Director of Lady Thatcher's Private Office and Director of the Margaret Thatcher Foundation, Sir Mark played a central role in managing her engagements, travel, correspondence and charitable work. He accompanied her on extensive international visits, engaging with senior political and business leaders across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. Following her death in 2013, Sir Mark was instrumental in organising her ceremonial funeral, working closely with the Cabinet Office, the Royal Household and the Armed Forces.

Knighted in 2014 and appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2005, Sir Mark has held numerous advisory roles within government-linked bodies, charities and political organisations. He is a founding member of the Court of Patrons of the Thrombosis Research Institute in London, the world's leading centre for the study, identification and prevention of thrombosis related issues. He also maintains strong ties with charities formerly supported by Lady Thatcher, including the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Falkland Veterans Association.

Internationally, Sir Mark has advised the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC, deepening transatlantic relationships rooted in shared democratic values.

Between 2018 and 2025, he served as Independent Construction Commissioner for the HS2 rail project, appointed by the British Government. In this role, he provided impartial oversight, investigated unresolved disputes and ensured fair treatment for those affected by construction activities.

Known for his loyalty, judgment and strategic insight, Sir Mark continues to contribute to public life through roles in heritage, governance and international advisory work. His career reflects a rare combination of integrity, operational acumen and dedication to national service, making him a respected figure in both Westminster and global policy circles.

Over three decades, John has led media companies in the U.S., Canada, and Europe ranging from $20m startups to $1.2bn corporations, managing teams from 100 to 10,000 employees. He has been involved in over $8bn in transactions, with a particular focus on growth and transformation in the media industry.

John is best known as the founder and former CEO of Digital First Media, which under his leadership became the US's second-largest newspaper company, achieving 383% revenue growth to $1.2bn. He also co-founded and led impreMedia, then the largest Hispanic media company in the US., where revenue grew 850% over five years. Earlier, he led a management buyout and transformation of Sun Media, creating Canada's largest newspaper group and delivering a 420% equity return on sale.

John currently serves as Chairman of The Independent and formerly chaired the Evening Standard. Under his leadership, The Independent doubled its revenue and became the UK's second-largest digital news audience. The title has been recognized as one of the most successful print-to-digital transformations globally and won the 2025 AOP Award for Best Digital Publishing Company.

He has also served as a director of The Guardian and chaired theguardian.org, supporting global investigative journalism. He is a former board member of El País and PRISA, which then controlled 20% of Le Monde.

Beyond media, John is Executive Chairman of BOAT International, Fine + Rare (global fine wine and spirits leader), and NUBA, the world's leading luxury travel group. He advises Informa, a FTSE 100 company, and serves on the investment committee of Pembroke VCT, a UK-based growth fund.

Appointed in 2020 by H.M. Government, he served a three-year term as a Non-Executive Director at the Home Office, contributing to governance and transformation. A Ryerson journalism graduate who completed the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration's Finance for Senior Executives programme, he was named US Publisher of the Year (2009) and an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

With effect from June 2025, John Paton also serves on the executive team of MMG as Deputy Chairman.