Founded in 2013 as an independent global strategic communications consultancy, London-headquartered Hawthorn Advisors specialises in complex, high-stakes communications, including litigation and reputation management issues. Recently, the team has been engaged by an international luxury brand, as well as a high-profile individual, in a complex set of cross-border reputation issues. A senior consultant on a number of the firm’s key client relationships, founder and CEO John Evans advises numerous business leaders on corporate events, reputation management and other high-profile strategic issues across a range of industries. Idil Oyman, who joined in September 2025, draws on her wealth of experience as a crisis communications specialist to lead the growing litigation and disputes practice at the firm. A highly experienced journalist and communications specialist, partner Jon Wynne-Jones advises senior executives, public figures and corporates on crisis management, litigation support and reputation strategy. Partner Richard Suchet, noted for his background in journalism and broadcasting, specialises in corporate reputation and crisis management, advising global corporates, public institutions and high-net-worth individuals on high-profile and sensitive matters. He also provides media training and interview preparation for senior executives facing significant public scrutiny.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Work highlights
Supports a major international luxury brand on a series of complex, high‑value disputes spanning multiple jurisdictions, working alongside legal counsel to manage media and ensure accurate, balanced reporting while countering coordinated, hostile and misleading narratives pushed by the opposing party.
Advises a group of individuals pursuing a high-value, multijurisdictional legal claim, shaping the narrative around a highly complex dispute by simplifying technical factual material, ensuring accurate reporting, and securing balanced media coverage at a sensitive early stage of proceedings.
Acts for a high-profile individual facing a complex set of cross-border reputation issues, working closely with their legal counsel, coordinating the response across multiple jurisdictions and countering emerging narratives by monitoring, correcting and mitigating misinformation to protect their ability to operate globally.
Practice head
John Evans, Idil Oyman
