Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) agency, Golin, has appointed two new hires into its expanding corporate affairs team.
Simon Tiernan joins as Director, VP, Corporate Affairs, bringing a decade of expertise in-house at McDonald’s as Head of UK and Ireland Communications and agency-side most recently at Zeno London, delivering pan-European corporate affairs accounts for The Coca-Cola Company in Europe, Amazon Europe and Budweiser Brewing Group.
Stephanie Mazinyi is appointed as Director, Corporate Affairs, previously at Golin Hong Kong and Porter Novelli, Stephanie brings in-depth knowledge of geo-politics, global media landscape and crisis communication with expertise across healthcare, sustainability, financial services, travel, entertainment and FMCG. Stephanie and Simon will report into London Corporate Affairs leader, Victoria Brophy.
Both hires follow a year of high double-digit growth as the team has doubled in size with a focus on international corporate affairs, reputation risk, corporate media relations, public affairs, and executive positioning. Clients include Unilever, Reckitt, PepsiCo, Simply Business and Affinity Water.
“Over the last three years, we’ve built a corporate affairs practice that couples deep understanding of our clients’ businesses with award-winning data and AI tools, strategic counsel and a smart, creative approach to engaging modern stakeholders across markets. The appointment of Simon and Steph brings extensive in-house experience and wider international experience to our growing practice,” said Victoria Brophy, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Golin London.
“Today’s corporate affairs and communications leaders must navigate an expanding maze of challenges – from geopolitical tensions to AI transformation. Our strengthened suite of reputational capabilities and advisory services ensure we deliver forward thinking robust corporate affairs solutions that drive business success for our client partners,” said Ondine Whittington, President, Golin London.
This follows the formalisation of Golin London’s corporate healthcare practice with two hires last year from Edelman: health media and corporate reputation leader, Jonny Daly, Executive Director, and sustainability and climate-health specialist Sarah Penny, Account Director. The pair are part of a growing specialist team providing strategic advisory to top 10 global pharma businesses on reputational issues including pricing, health equity and net zero, earned media and executive visibility for executive management, and employee engagement.
“The need for robust corporate communications is critical for organisations navigating the global landscape. I’m thrilled to be part of the Golin London team at such an exciting time,” said Stephanie Mazinyi.
“You couldn’t miss seeing the amount of column inches dedicated to Golin London’s growth in 2024. Having met the team, I have been inspired by the levels of creativity, client counsel and strategic thinking being delivered for a wide range of clients,” said Simon Tiernan.
The new London hires align with a global focus on accelerating and strengthening Golin’s corporate affairs advisory practice around the world, led by Megan Noel, ex-PwC veteran who joined in 2024 as Global President, Corporate Affairs, based in Chicago. Golin recently released its predictions for business and reputation trends for 2025 aimed at helping corporate affairs leaders navigate the year ahead. You can view the full report here.