Tom Ashby

Ashbright provides strategic communications counsel to governments, companies and successful individuals. Using data and intelligence, we design and execute state-of-the-art communications programmes to enable leaders to mobilise resources, shape perceptions and influence behaviour.

As an inaugural fellow at the Global Center for Energy Analysis, I guide GCEA's original research and analysis to engage in the global energy dialogue through public events, social content and consultancy, responding to the urgent energy priorities of our interconnected world.

Iridium advances the science and practice of investor relations to help organizations and leaders reap the rewards for their achievements.

As Head of Global Communications and Director of the Communications Division, I was responsible for managing the reputation of the forum. I was the chief spokesman and oversee all content, branding, digital media and relations with journalists.

Consulum is an international strategic communications consultancy that uses an in-depth understanding of public, commercial and political drivers to provide insightful strategic counsel and meet complex communications challenges. Supporting government, corporate and private entities, Consulum delivers sophisticated communications programmes that shape awareness, guide opinion and enhance understanding on a national, regional and international basis.

Reporting to the CEO, led a team of 25 communicators across eight countries for this $35 billion energy company based in Abu Dhabi. Key achievements: • Originated global communication strategy aligned with business objectives • Led coordination and collaboration among global communication team • Developed communication plans for critical events e.g. impairment, reorganisation, leadership change • Oversaw production of content e.g. CEO speeches, investor presentations, government briefings • Oversaw overhaul of global branding guidelines to improve consistency and effectiveness • Improved stakeholder perception with thought leadership delivered through website, stakeholder magazine, events and exhibitions • Increased engagement through website and intranet redesign, social media tools • Proactively placed content and spokespeople in key media, achieving 60% global favourability • Member of leadership team developing new corporate purpose, vision and values • Launched a new corporate culture internationally through advocacy, workshops, design tool kits; culminating in live CEO webcast. Achieved 80% positive rating for employee engagement • Led crisis communication during international and local incidents to protect corporate reputation e.g. hydrocarbon leak on North Sea oil platform and fatality in Morocco

Led team of 25 reporters, columnists and editors to produce region’s leading daily business news, printed and online. Key achievements: • Founding member of the editorial leadership team, established the first major initiative-based business reporting operation in the region based on international standards • Produced actionable insights into the global energy industry; Arab uprisings; UAE civilian nuclear programme; Dubai World restructuring; Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 • Built and developed relations with senior members of Abu Dhabi Government and business leaders • Optimised website with analytics; drove traffic through social media and e-newsletter • Interviewed CEO’s in one-on-one interviews during live forums attended by senior stakeholders from industry and government • Wrote weekly opinion column and commented on current affairs for global media e.g. CNN • Media Leader at the “Summer Davos” of the World Economic Forum for three years

Led team of 22 to produce news, television and photography from Africa’s most populous nation for the world’s leading global financial news and information company. Key achievements: • Developed and maintained high level relationships with political and industry figures including President of the Republic, ministers, parliamentarians, CEOs, regulators etc. • Led breaking news and analysis of the Niger Delta rebellion; Paris Club debt forgiveness; market reforms; economic take-off; first democratic transition of power since independence in 1960 • Team leader of the World Press Photo 2006 winner (spot news category)

Directed international network of market specialists, foreign correspondents and editors covering the energy sector in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Key achievements: • Developed and maintained relationships with high-level policy makers and industry executives • Directed live coverage of 9/11 attacks on the United States and invasion of Iraq • Led insights and analysis into OPEC and global oil markets

This certificate course from the MIT School of Architecture and Planning covers the fundamental theory and analysis of big data to better understand and predict human networks and behaviors in social structures and business environments.

The Oxford Fintech Programme is a 10-week course that helps executives to both launch new fintech ventures and harness new technology to build better financial services firms. The programme examines current and emerging technologies around money and payments, markets and consumer experience, and explores key ideas, principles, and frameworks around RegTech, PropTech and social inclusion. It covers topics ranging from blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to crowdfunding and quantum computing.