True North Advisors has launched a major expansion into London to support a growing portfolio of clients with UK-wide public affairs and policy interests.
The move marks a significant milestone for the full-service strategic communications, public affairs and marketing firm, and is backed by a series of senior appointments that significantly strengthen its advisory team.
Establishing a permanent presence in London will allow the firm to offer on-the-ground support for clients navigating policy and regulatory priorities that are the responsibility of the UK Parliament.
The new London operation will be led by Senior Advisor, Andrew Liddle, a former Labour Party advisor who has relocated from Edinburgh.
Replacing him in the Scottish capital is Calum Ross, one of country’s most respected journalists, who joins True North as a Senior Advisor.
Calum, a native of the Highlands, spent fifteen years covering Scottish and UK current affairs for the Press & Journal, including four years as a lobby journalist at Westminster, before joining the Scotsman, where he has spent the past two years as Education Correspondent.
Also joining the firm is Geri Mulvany, who becomes a Creative Advisor within its Content Studio, based in Aberdeen. Geri brings a wealth of experience in brand storytelling and campaign development, most recently as Head of Design at a North-east creative agency.
Geoff Aberdein, Geri Mulvany, Calum Ross and Fergus Mutch
The expansion coincides with the launch of the new True North Advisors website – truenorth.scot – which reflects the scale, ambition and expertise of the business.
True North Advisors is led by Managing Partners Geoff Aberdein and Fergus Mutch, alongside Senior Partner Ryan Crighton. Together, they bring decades of experience at the highest levels of business, media and politics.
The firm is particularly well known for its work in energy, inward investment, education, financial services, food and drink, housing and the third sector – but its influence extends across a broad range of industries where powerful storytelling meets strategic thinking.
Geoff is a former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland and Global Head of External Affairs at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Fergus previously served as Head of Communications & Research for the SNP, while Ryan is an award-winning business journalist with over a decade of marketing experience.
Commenting on the expansion, Geoff Aberdein said: “True North’s approach centres around employing talented individuals who use proven expertise in their careers to date to provide our clients the very best in strategic advice. Calum and Geri bring huge experience and sharp insight that will add real value for the growing range of businesses and organisations we work with.
“Establishing a permanent presence in London is a bold and necessary step for the company. Andrew’s relocation means we’re now perfectly placed to serve organisations that need to be heard at both Holyrood and Westminster.”
Calum Ross
Commenting on his move, Senior Advisor Calum Ross said: “After nearly two decades in journalism, I’m excited to start this new chapter with True North Advisors. I’ve spent my career telling stories that matter and now I’m looking forward to helping clients navigate their communications priorities with clarity and purpose.”
Creative Advisor Geri Mulvany added: “True North’s mix of strategic thinking and creative energy is what drew me to join its Content Studio. I’m passionate about helping organisations find their voice and tell their story in ways that connect, persuade and inspire.”
Geri Mulvany
The two new appointments add to a seasoned advisory team which already includes former MP, Dr Eilidh Whiteford, energy expert and former Energy Voice editor Allister Thomas, and marketers Andrew Taylor and Cody Mowbray.
True North is chaired by Martin Gilbert, one of Scotland’s most respected business figures and co-founder of Aberdeen Asset Management. His strategic guidance and financial expertise provide a strong foundation for the firm’s early growth.