Auckland-based corporate affairs firm Sherson Willis has announced it has become FTI Consulting’s strategic communications affiliate in New Zealand.

Under the affiliate agreement, Sherson Willis will work closely with FTI Consulting – the global business advisory firm with a strategic communications arm – to provide seamless local support for FTI Consulting’s clients.

Director Trish Sherson says the affiliation agreement is a recognition of Sherson Willis’s market leading offering in New Zealand and gives the firm access to world class corporate affairs expertise.

“As an independent business with local expertise, this affiliation with FTI Consulting broadens our client capabilities and global reach.

“It allows us to tap into FTI Consulting’s outstanding resource of business and financial expertise and insights to strengthen our current offer in New Zealand, while also giving us access to FTI Consulting’s network of offices in 29 countries to meet any international needs of our clients.”

Sherson Willis has worked collaboratively with FTI Consulting since 2018 on projects and the relationship has now been formalised with the affiliate agreement coming into place.

Sherson says the firm has worked alongside FTI Consulting’s Australian and United Kingdom offices for clients from sectors including media, energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

FTI Consulting Managing Director Strategic Communications Ben Hamilton says, “It was clear to us that Sherson Willis is highly regarded as local market leaders and shares FTI Consulting’s pursuit of excellence in strategic corporate affairs, financial communications and public affairs.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic casting uncertainty globally, now more than ever, our clients are looking for trusted partners on the ground in markets around the world.

“We’re delighted that Sherson Willis has joined our affiliate network so we can ensure our clients can navigate business critical issues in New Zealand with confidence.”

In addition, Sherson Willis also announced it has strengthened its senior leadership team by promoting Thomas Pryor to the role of Principal.

In this newly created role, Pryor will continue to provide counsel to clients, while also working alongside Directors, Trish Sherson and Rewa Willis, to set the strategic goals and direction of the business.

Director Rewa Willis says, “Thomas has provided our client base with excellent corporate affairs advice and expertise over his five years at Sherson Willis.

“As Principal, he will be instrumental in helping to drive our business strategy and long-term vision forward.”