Hydra Strategy, the senior-only consultancy launched in 2017, has appointed former Bell Pottinger and MHP public affairs director Neil Stockley as a Partner.

An energy sector specialist with more than 30 years’ experience of public policy and the political scene in both the UK and New Zealand, Neil’s clients have included National Grid, a major European renewable energy generator, energy
retailers, solar operators, a funder of renewables, distribution networks and trade and member organisations across the energy sector.

Neil has also worked in-house for Arqiva, developing and implementing political communications supporting the infrastructure and media group’s smart meter activity. Neil is a former Policy Director for the Liberal Democrats and was executive assistant to former New Zealand Prime Minister, David Lange.

Commenting on Neil’s appointment, Hydra’s managing partner Stephen Benzikie said, “Neil is a true heavyweight among public affairs and policy practitioners. The energy and environmental sectors in the UK continue to face significant regulatory challenges and reputational issues, so we are delighted to have Neil on board to lead integrated, strategic communications in this important area.”

Neil Stockley added: "Since its formation, Hydra has proved its ability to juggle the very best top-end strategic thinking with hands-on implementation by Partners. I’m very pleased to be joining such an impressive team of communicators and adding a new dimension to the firm’s offering.”

Hydra’s consultants have, variously, advised energy businesses including BP, British Gas, Centrica, Encor Power, Gazprom, OPEC, Reliance Industries, TXU Europe and Vireol. Based in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Street, Hydra offers both board-level advice and senior-only execution across all key areas of corporate communications, focusing on supporting CEOs and communications directors.

The firm brings together some of the UK’s most senior communicators, and aims to deliver substantial integrated programmes, led by consultants with typically more than 20 years’ experience of advising leading companies. Services comprise corporate, financial, IR, public policy, brand strategy, employee engagement and change communications, litigation support and the full range of digital communications.