Public affairs advisor Fenton Fitzwilliam strengthens its team

Nuala Ryan and Paddy O'Dea are appointed as directors with political, policy, regulatory and reputational consultancy Fenton Fitzwilliam

Director appointments at Fenton Fitzwilliam: Paddy O'Dea and Nuala Ryan.

Communications firm Fenton Fitzwilliam has appointed Nuala Ryan and Paddy O'Dea as directors, further strengthening its leadership team in Dublin.

Joining from Finn Partners Ireland (formerly 360), they were senior partners and founding members of the agency's leadership team. Fenton Fitzwilliam advises clients in complex political, policy, regulatory and reputational environments.

David O’Donnell, MD of Fenton Fitzwilliam, said: “Paddy and Nuala are two of the most talented and highly-regarded communications professionals in the Irish market, and their decision to join us is a significant endorsement of the business.

“Paddy combines outstanding communications expertise with significant experience in agency leadership, business growth and providing trusted senior counsel. Nuala brings exceptional strategic insight and a proven ability to help organisations navigate complex reputational communications and stakeholder challenges.” 

Paddy O'Dea has advised major Irish and international organisations across tech, financial services, transport, aviation, food and beverage and healthcare. He brings expertise in corporate communications, reputation and issues management, crisis communications, strategic counsel and business leadership.

Nuala Ryan brings more than a decade of experience advising brands, organisations and senior leaders on strategic communications, corporate reputation, public affairs and stakeholder engagement. She has worked across healthcare, retail, consumer and tech sectors.

Moray Macdonald, CEO of Fenton Fitzwilliam, said: "From day one, our ambition has been to build Ireland's strongest integrated and senior-led consultancy across strategic communications and public affairs, bringing together exceptional people who have proven track records in helping clients navigate increasingly complex commercial, political and reputational challenges.

“Paddy and Nuala are among the most respected communications advisers in the Irish market and their decision to join Fenton Fitzwilliam reflects both the momentum we have built and the opportunity we see.” 

Director appointments at Fenton Fitzwilliam: Paddy O'Dea, Lorna Fitzpatrick, Moray Macdonald, Nuala Ryan and David O'Donnell.

Paddy and Nuala will both be based at Fenton Fitzwilliam’s headquarters in Dublin. They will work closely with colleagues across the consultancy’s growing operations in Brussels, Glasgow and London.

Paddy O’Dea said: “I am looking forward to working alongside the team and bringing my experience to bear in helping clients navigate increasingly complex communications, reputational and stakeholder challenges.” 

Nuala Ryan added: “We are joining at a pivotal point in the growth of Fenton Fitzwilliam, while the opportunity to work alongside an equally driven and experienced team to further develop and grow the consultancy’s strategic communications offering was a significant draw.” 

 Fenton Fitzwilliam is part of Paritee, a network of agencies across EU and international markets. Paritee was established in 2022 by Lars Erik Grønntun and a team of industry veterans. Paritee is majority-owned by its founders and leadership team, and since 2023, backed by private equity firm Explore Equity.