Justin Doherty

Justin specialises in “background-details”, resolving highly complex and sensitive issues, building and strengthening reputations, and running campaigns that make their mark on the world.  He is an expert in the management of reputation risk, helping leaders understand and shape reputations in support of strategic goals.  He chairs Hemington Consulting in London, renowned for handling the more challenging issues of the day.   He has, for example, overseen counter-terrorism strategic communications in southern Yemen, advised the Ugandan Prime Minister, the President of South Sudan, and the President of Sri Lanka.   He has a first-class track record in helping and advising large corporations and individuals, including ministers, world-famous artists, billionaire philanthropists, Presidents, candidates for election, investors, and captains of industry.

In 2018 he was part of the team that successfully changed the law in the UK to allow sick children access to cannabis-based medicine.  He advises several charities and faith organisations across the religious spectrum, including Christian, Muslim and Jewish organisations and he is an expert in advising institutions,  governments and companies seeking to deploy soft power and cultural diplomacy. He supports Saudi Arabia’s transformation, working closely with Saudi’s Culture Ministers and the heads of multiple commissions and bodies.

Justin’s early career involved 16 years in the British Army and included peacekeeping operations in the Balkans, and influence operations within 15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group. He spent 10 years working for Lord Bell, building a communications and reputation risk management consultancy in Abu Dhabi advising clients in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Yemen, and Sri Lanka.

In Abu Dhabi he was closely involved in the modernisation of Abu Dhabi’s communications and reputation capability, supporting and advising various entities including Mubadala, and the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.  He set up a global network to support the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) promoting Australia’s capabilities in science, technology and innovation.

Justin graduated from the University of London.