Andrew Whyte (pictured above far left with Jon Chandler, John McLaren and Simon Pringle) has worked at a number of high-profile organisations, including News International, Shell International and the BBC. For the last 15 years Whyte has been a Director of Communications at Arts Council England, Defra, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and most recently the Financial Conduct Authority.

Jon Chandler is founder of the Tilton Consultancy, a specialist firm that brings industry-specific experts together to tackle complex challenges. He has 18 years of front-line communications expertise at Fortune 500 and FTSE firms, building and leading international teams at The Coca-Cola Company, Eastman Kodak, British Airways, Lucas Industries and Perkins Engines.

John McLaren is senior partner at Claverhouse Partners, the international reputation and strategic communications advisory firm. Prior to this he had an international career in corporate communications, most recently in the Gulf where he was an in-house PR advisor to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and ARAMCO.

Professor Simon Pringle is a senior commercial strategy and sustainability expert with extensive board-level experience. An associate fellow of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Pringle is also honorary professor of sustainability and innovation at the University of Edinburgh Business School. 

Commenting on the appointments, Echo Research chair Neil Sherlock said: “At a time when organisations are faced with growing challenges and complexities, we are delighted to bring together seasoned experts to help Echo grow and support our clients best.”