Thomson Geer is pleased to congratulate leading Australian public affairs consultancy TG Public Affairs on its new leadership team, with John Brenton taking on the role of Managing Director previously held by Mark Brandon-Baker, who becomes Chairman.

Thomson Geer and TG Public Affairs joined forces in 2019 to offer major Australian and international corporate clients expert legal and public affairs advice.

“Our passion for policy and public affairs is why we invested in TG Public Affairs,” said Thomson Geer Chief Executive Partner Adrian Tembel.

“The investment in our public affairs arm and our encouragement to staff engaging in policy issues that shape Australia helps frame the way we think as a firm and has become embedded in our DNA.

“Congratulations to John and Mark on their new roles and for the ongoing success of TG Public Affairs.”

John Brenton is a former Australian diplomat, with considerable expertise in the defence, health, and infrastructure sectors. He served former Labor leader Kim Beazley during his time as Australian Ambassador to the US. John has been a principal of the firm since mid-2019.

John will lead a team of senior staff drawn from each of the major parties, including former long-term Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Michael Choueifate and Belinda Selems, a key staff member in the prime ministerial offices of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. The tri-partisan nature of the firm is reinforced by the expertise of other principals Mark Brandon-Baker, Paul Chamberlin and Brendan Tegg.

In addition, TGPA’s staff are supported by a distinguished Advisory Board, chaired by former Labor Minister Steve Conroy and including former top public servant Jane Halton, who was head of the Departments of Finance and Health, and former top defence public servant Peter Jennings.

Mr Brandon-Baker said: “John is one of the best government relations specialists in the country and under his leadership, the firm will continue to thrive by offering the highest quality strategic advice to our clients.”

Mr Brenton said: “Under Mark’s direction, the firm established itself as one of the largest public affairs companies in Australia, representing the interests of major Australian and international corporates. Mark’s vision to integrate with Thomson Geer, a top Australian law firm and establish a national presence was a first for Australia and set a benchmark for quality in the industry.

“The election of the Albanese Government changes the Australian political landscape. Renewal often brings with it opportunity and a fresh approach to public policy. We look forward to continuing to support our clients’ priorities in Canberra.”

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