Our Associates
Dominic Harrison
After qualifying as a chartered accountant at KPMG, Dominic's career included multiple CEO roles internationally and domestically, both public and private with a strong focus on public affairs and regulation. His experience includes working with the Hilton group PLC, Gala Coral limited, IWG PLC and recently leading the exit of a multi-setting education business. Throughout his professional journey, Dominic has remained steadfast in his commitment to people and driving growth. He is an executive coach, utilizing his knowledge to guide individuals in their personal and professional development. Over the years, he has engaged extensively with various regulators, navigating the intricacies of Westminster and Whitehall.
Julien Artero
With nearly two decades of experience, Julien is a seasoned forensic investigation and corporate intelligence specialist. He has advised clients worldwide on intricate M&A deals, international disputes, and fraud cases. Armed with master's degrees from Sciences Po Paris and King's College London, Julien's career began at Control Risks before moving to EY Fraud Investigation & Disputes Services followed by PwC Forensics, and then running his own boutique firm. Having joined SLA, he takes the lead on deriving our intelligence and information function playing a vital role in how we deliver intelligence-fuelled communications.
Paul de Bendern
Paul is a senior strategic communications specialist, with a particular expertise in emerging markets. He has spent the last decade advising CEOs, industry leaders, governments, and heads of state on complex reputation matters. For several years, Paul ran the international corporate communications strategy for one of the world’s largest national oil companies, supporting on a day-to-day basis the leadership with media and investor relations, crisis management, advertising, and stakeholder engagement. He has more than 15 years of experience as a senior international journalist for global Reuters news agency, with postings in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He is fluent in French, Spanish, Swedish and English.
Andy Holdsworth
Andy is a highly experienced communications and reputation management specialist who has worked with a wide range of clients responding to issues, crises and litigation both in the UK and abroad, including governments, businesses, and individuals. He has assisted clients with reputational challenges and litigation, including false accusations made on the BBC, ITV and Twitter, and high-profile legal cases. Andy has worked with organisations of all sizes and industries as well as Governments in preparing and developing crisis management procedures and response plans. His expertise has been sought by multiple sectors, including oil & gas, aviation, FMCG, education, sovereign wealth funds, charities, UHNWs and their private businesses.
Salomé Ashenden
After graduating with a Master’s degree in Science Communication and Media Production from Imperial College in 2021, Salomé transitioned into the world of finance, finding her niche in the intersection of communication and financial strategy. Joining Voxia communication as a Financial PR Consultant, she worked on several complex matters. In 2023, she joined Stuart Leach Associates, engaging with a diverse clientele encompassing UHNWs, sovereign entities, investment funds, politicians, and private businesses. Her multilingual proficiency in French, Spanish, Italian, and English, enhanced her ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships across cultural boundaries.
Alexander East
With a distinguished academic background, Alex graduated with a first-class honours degree in History and International Relations from Royal Holloway, followed by a GDL with distinction. Alex completed the BPTC with a 'Very Competent' rating and was honoured with Denning and Hardwick Scholarships by Lincoln's Inn. He undertook his criminal pupillage at Drystone Chambers, where he represented clients in a broad spectrum of criminal cases involving violence, drugs, and fraud. After pupillage, Alex joined Capsticks and excelled in regulatory law for over two years. During this time, he appeared in numerous regulatory hearings, dealing with serious misconduct cases, including dishonesty and sexual misconduct, and represented regulators in High Court.
Anthony Carter
Having graduated from UCL in 2016 with a degree in Politics and East European Studies, Anthony worked as an investigative journalist specialising in financial corruption and compliance before transferring to CDS Mayfair in February 2020 as a paralegal, supporting the immigration team with research, translation, and administrative matters. He also assisted CDS Sports with esports consulting and research. Anthony now works for Stuart Leach Associates, where he leverages his legal and journalistic experience to assist clients in understanding the media landscape relevant to their reputation requirements. Anthony is fluent in Russian and English.
Anna Rubbi
Anna brings extensive expertise in public international law, enhancing the legal content produced on various instructed matters. With a master's degree in public international law, Anna has a distinguished background as an international civil servant at The Hague with a UN-backed Tribunal. More recently, she served as a lawyer for the Government Legal Department.
In addition to her consultancy role at Stuart Leach Associates, she continues to practice as a barrister at Guernica 37 Chambers, focusing on international, criminal, and public law matters.
Georgia Leach
Georgia has worked in PR for a number of years and specialises in marketing strategies including rebranding, managing all social media platforms, press releases and organising high end events and campaigns. Most recently Georgia worked on a rebranding campaign for a renowned UK racehorse trainer. She brings a broad spectrum of knowledge and marketing experience to Stuart Leach Associates.
