FTI Consulting Appoints Charles Armitstead as UK Strategic Communications Head

On June 12, 2025, FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) announced the appointment of Charles Armitstead as the UK Head of the Strategic Communications segment, a move aimed at bolstering the firm's growth trajectory in the UK market. This appointment, effective July 1, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Armitstead's career, as he returns to FTI Consulting, where he began his professional journey over two decades ago.

Armitstead's extensive background in strategic communications and his deep understanding of the business landscape position him well for this leadership role. He initially joined Financial Dynamics, which was acquired by FTI Consulting in 2006, in 1999. His tenure at FTI Consulting spanned 12 years, during which he held various positions in major cities, including London, New York, and Washington, D.C. Following his departure, he co-founded Pendomer Communications in 2011, where he served as Managing Partner until its acquisition by Teneo in 2016. Subsequently, he led Teneo's UK Financial Communications practice for eight years before rejoining FTI Consulting.

John Waples, EMEA Chair of Strategic Communications at FTI Consulting, expressed optimism about the firm’s future under Armitstead's leadership. Waples stated, “This is an exciting moment for the business. Since rejoining FTI Consulting, Charlie has made a big contribution to our growth and is focused on maintaining that momentum.” Waples will continue in his role as EMEA Chairman, collaborating with teams across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to enhance the firm’s presence in these regions.

The Strategic Communications segment in the UK has experienced robust momentum in the first half of 2025, acquiring new clients, including Croda International, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Phoenix Group, and Reckitt. These developments underscore the growing demand for strategic communication services in a rapidly evolving business environment.

In his statement regarding his appointment, Armitstead remarked, “I’m enormously privileged to have the opportunity to lead a business where I started my career 25 years ago and build on the great foundations that John Waples and the UK team have established. Our strong momentum in the first half of 2025 highlights the great potential for further growth, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues in the UK and across the world to continue our progress.”

FTI Consulting, a global expert firm known for providing strategic communication solutions, has more than 8,100 employees across 33 countries as of March 31, 2025. The company reported revenues of $3.70 billion during the fiscal year 2024. With Armitstead at the helm of the UK Strategic Communications segment, FTI Consulting aims to leverage his expertise to navigate the complexities of modern communication strategies and enhance its client offerings.

As businesses face unprecedented challenges in crisis management and transformation, FTI Consulting's strategic communications services are poised to play a crucial role in shaping narratives and managing stakeholder relationships effectively. The firm’s ability to integrate Armitstead's experience could significantly influence its competitive positioning in the market, particularly as the demand for expert communication strategies continues to grow amidst the evolving global landscape.