Spear’s Review

Montfort Communications adviser James Olley works with clients – including UHNWs, finance professionals, corporate leadership teams and tech figures – ‘to build public strategies that enable them to realise their ambitions’.

Focused on strategy, reputation, communication and policy, Olley says he offers ‘bespoke counsel – no off-the-shelf solutions, but thoughtful strategic advice’, promising ‘an empathetic understanding of client needs [and] a considered approach, particularly in high-stakes situations where “calm and composed” is the style’.

The communications strategist has extensive experience in campaign development, crisis work and critical issues management. His areas of expertise cover corporate and financial communications, including mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, public affairs and regulatory matters. ‘He crafts public narratives that support [clients’] ambitions, devising and implementing reputation management strategies,’ according to the firm.

Adviser Profile

For over two decades working at the intersection of politics, business and media, James has been a trusted adviser to senior leaders, guiding them through complex situations that shape public trust and licence to operate. A leading strategist in stakeholder engagement and reputation management, he has advised prime ministers, FTSE100 CEOs, Fortune500 chairs, UHNW founder-entrepreneurs and religious leaders on critical reputation challenges.

Using his deep networks, intelligence and analysis, James has helped clients navigate critical issues and unlock difficult situations with clarity and control. He is known for his joined-up and creative thinking, as well as for bringing deep thoughtfulness and considered analysis to solve critical issues and mitigate reputation risk for his clients.

James is a leading strategist in complex stakeholder engagement and reputation management, advising CEOs, political leaders and boards on some of the most pressing challenges of our time – from hostile takeovers and business collapse to terrorism threats, industrial action and state interventions. His counsel underpins major reputation turnarounds and long-term positioning strategies that ensure business continuity, stakeholder confidence and growth.

Based in London, James works globally with a particular focus on Central Asia, where he supports both UK and international interests in the region, and advises Central Asian business leaders across the region. He travels regularly throughout Central Asia to work with corporates and individuals.

Additionally, James maintains a keen interest in the arts, being a trustee of a number of cultural organisations in the UK.