Energy, Environment & Industry

Grayling has over 20 years experience in the Energy, Environment and Industry sector. We work with major players around the world from companies as diverse as cement and steel manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, to electricity and alternative energies, helping them shape policy, public debate and perceptions.

With climate change, energy security and environmental issues all remaining high on the world agenda the need for corporations to communicate their environmental impact to a range of stakeholders has never been so important.

We have supported some of the world’s largest green-field investments, IPOs and most controversial deals. Our teams include former government representatives, key industry analysts and journalists allowing us to operate at all levels from national Government to local community interaction.

We are particularly experienced in supporting major inward investment into emerging markets, where local regulatory, media, community and NGO reactions can prove both unpredictable and telling in their impact on a project’s success

At Grayling we have the ability to act quickly in local markets and balance this with global issues and stakeholder relationships. Our expertise includes helping clients understand and navigate the complex regulatory environments of key emerging markets.

We are also able to offer real-time counsel to energy and industry companies dealing with a crisis, helping them communicate clearly and quickly with the public, governments and investors.

The environment is rising to the top of the agenda for many companies, and their commitment to sustainability is only getting stronger. We deliver ground-breaking sustainability communications programmes for major corporates, NGOs and government departments, dealing with highly sensitive issues, and gaining international recognition for our work.

With campaigns ranging from major CSR initiatives and cleantech launches, to large scale behaviour-changing communications programmes aimed at both consumers and businesses, we are committed to providing the highest quality strategic consultancy and implementation to meet our clients’ objectives.

Our Work

Successful media relations campaign for Schneider Electric leveraging their participation at Middle East trade events.

Media relations and research-led campaign for Chevron's bid process for the Iraqi oil fields.

Supported Mittal in the privatisation of Nova Hut Ostrava.

Our Clients

Global Industry Sector Head

Russell Patten

CEO, Belgium
Telephone: +32 273 81 783
russell.patten@grayling.com

Russell Patten is CEO of Grayling Belgium and has specialised expertise in EU policies relating to the environmental, energy, transport, as well as agri, food and drinks policies.

A British national, Russell’s career in Brussels spans 20 years, encompassing a wide range of corporations, trade associations and European Institutions. After beginning his career at the European Commission (Telecommunications), Russell joined the law firm, Oppenheimer, Wolff & Donnelly specialising in EU telecoms competition, and trade law.

Russell subsequently moved to a British Public Affairs consultancy, IGA Europe, and in 1995 joined Hill & Knowlton where he ran the Public Affairs department of the Brussels office until his promotion to Vice-President in 2002 responsible for Public Affairs in the EMEA region.

He was secretary-general of the European Express Association from 1994 to 2003, is currently Secretary-General of Transfrigoroute International and was President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium from 2005 to 2007. He is currently Vice President of the EU Committee of the Chamber.

He is a professor at the College of Europe, ISMAPP and the University of Kent and holds a degree in political sciences and languages from the University of Kent, a diploma in French politics from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and a Masters in EU Affairs from the College of Europe in Bruges.