Hydra Strategy, the senior-only consultancy launched in January 2017, has appointed telecoms, media and technology industry heavyweight Hugh Davies as a Partner.
Hugh was most recently Director of Corporate Communications at Three, the UK’s first 3G mobile operator, where he spent almost 10 years leading the campaigning and communications to take the internet mobile.
Previously, Hugh was UK Head of Public Relations at Microsoft, helping to build understanding of the company’s growing software product portfolio among UK businesses and the public sector. He managed major campaigns and the visits of senior executives including Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.
Following an initial career in journalism, Hugh held senior roles in Europe and Asia with WPP consultancies Hill+Knowltonand Cohn & Wolfe, as well as with advertising agency Leo Burnett, where he was responsible for integrated brand communications campaigns in Asia for global consumer brands in the Auto, FMCG and TMT sectors.
Commenting on Hugh’s appointment, Hydra’s managing partner Stephen Benzikie said:
“Hugh is one of the best known and most respected senior communicators in not only the tech sector, but in the UK. We’re excited to have him on board as we continue to build our offering in TMT, addressing the needs of established global players and early stage companies alike.”
Hugh Davies added:
"I've been very impressed by the way the team has come together around briefs which require senior level thinking combined with rapid engagement. In a more agile world, clients want access to experienced people without significant overhead costs. I believe Stephen is building a business that is both flexible and sustainable through Hydra's ability to deliver incisive advice from very experienced communicators to its growing mix of clients."
Hydra’s consultants have, variously, advised TMT businesses including BT, Tele2, Three, Orange, Ensygnia, Lumi Technologies, Open Cell and Gemalto.
Based in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Street, Hydra offers both board-level advice and senior-only execution across all key areas of corporate communications, focusing on supporting CEOs and communications directors. The firm brings together some of the UK’s most senior communicators, and aims to deliver substantial integrated programmes, led by consultants with typically more than 20 years’ experience of advising leading companies.
Services comprise corporate, financial, IR, brand strategy, employee engagement and change communications, litigation support and the full range of digital communications.