Insights

Introduction: Establishing influence in Brussels isn’t just about opening an office. It’s about building the right team. To shape policy outcomes and make your voice heard, you need professionals who understand the ecosystem, speak the language of institutions, and already have the trust of key stakeholders. At Mavence, we specialise in connecting organisations with the […]

Washington, DC, and Brussels are two of the world’s most influential political hubs. But how does public affairs work differ between them? To explore this, we spoke with Stan McCoy, an American government relations professional who built a successful career in Brussels. He shares insights on his transatlantic journey, cultural surprises, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way

Q&A with Stan McCoy Q: What first brought you to Brussels, and how did you establish yourself in the public affairs scene? A: I came to Brussels 25 years ago as a young lawyer at Covington and Burling, to support their policy and regulatory work on behalf of tech sector clients.  While working in Brussels […]

Q&A with Richard Nash Q: What first brought you to DC, and how did you establish yourself in the government relations (or public affairs) scene? A: I started my career in Brussels working at a firm that supported public affairs for eBay Inc., which was the umbrella organization for eBay, PayPal and Skype at the […]

The first of our new Association Leaders Talk video interview series, profiling the people steering these organisations and the career paths that brought them to the helm, with Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of UITP and President of ESAE.

The Middle East is a dynamic and evolving landscape for government affairs and public policy professionals. As the region continues to undergo significant economic, social, and political transformations, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate these changes and shape policy outcomes is on the rise.

Robert Naouss, Senior Adviser – Middle East and North Africa  The Middle East is a dynamic and evolving landscape for government affairs and public policy professionals. As the region continues to undergo significant economic, social, and political transformations, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate these changes and shape policy outcomes is on the […]

Annual performance reviews and regular feedback are essential components of organizational success. However, experience shows that many organizations in the EU bubble lack structured processes for these practices, and even where such processes exist, teams are rarely trained on how to execute them effectively.

Annual performance reviews and regular feedback are essential components of organizational success. However, experience shows that many organizations in the EU bubble lack structured processes for these practices, and even where such processes exist, teams are rarely trained on how to execute them effectively. Professionals often have no idea how to approach giving – as […]

In this latest interview from Mavence, our Director for the Belgian Market Philippe Putman sits down with Karel Joos, Managing Director of DGA, a leading consultancy firm with a unique Belgian specialization to discuss what makes a strong public affairs profile, and the perspectives of a PA professional in the modern market.

Jason Descamps, Président du groupe Mavence et Roxane Perrault-Fournier, Directrice générale de Mavence France proposent une revue de 2024 avec quelques annonces pour l’année à venir.

Our CEO and Global Practice Managing Director Jason Descamps wraps up a few weeks in Washington, D.C., bringing back his top 10 insights on the differences in government relations / public affairs cultures, practices, and positioning in the professional ecosystem between US and EU lobbyists.

By Jason Descamps, Mavence CEO and Managing Director Global Practice Having just wrapped up a recent trip to Washington, D.C. as part of our work expanding our global talent and executive advisory footprint, I was struck by all the ways that lobbying feels distinctly different in the US, even if the underlying DNA of government […]

In this latest interview from Mavence, our Director for the Belgian Market Philippe Putman sits down with Karel Joos, Managing Director of DGA, a leading consultancy firm with a unique Belgian specialization to discuss what makes a strong public affairs profile, and the perspectives of a PA professional in the modern market.

Are you considering a career move to the private sector?  Wondering what to expect? Let the experiences of our three respondents help inform your way.  In this latest group interview, Jason Descamps, Founder and CEO of Mavence, brings together insights from seasoned professionals who have transitioned from roles in institutions, associations, and consulting to corporate […]

Slouching toward January  Around the world corporate leaders are watching the final days of the 2024 US presidential election with the same question on their mind: “What does each outcome mean for my industry and my company?”   It’s a reasonable question, although in practice most companies and industries will feel more impact from technological change […]

As any good leader knows, having a clear vision and a well-defined strategy are essential to long-term success. What is harder to know, however, is whether and when that strategy needs to be revised. For many working in Europe, the end of the summer break offers a compelling moment to take a critical look at government relations planning.

As any good leader knows, having a clear vision and a well-defined strategy are essential to long-term success. What is harder to know, however, is whether and when that strategy needs to be revised. For many working in Europe, the end of the summer break offers a compelling moment to take a critical look at […]

With the official launch of our newest service offering, Mavence Advisory formalises our most strategic guidance and tailored support for PA leaders and Government relations teams. But what does this really mean in practice?

With the official launch of our newest service offering, Mavence Advisory formalises our most strategic guidance and tailored support for PA leaders and Government relations teams. But what does this really mean in practice? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received, answered by our Managing Director for Mavence Advisory, Claudia Breure: […]

The talent market in the EU Bubble is constantly changing. Organizations, employees, and candidates are still adapting to new priorities and ways of working as the post-pandemic revolution continues to change the nature and structure of their work. This also applies to career trajectories: opportunities in public affairs have in many ways increased as more […]

To address the growing number of societal and environmental issues, as well as to navigate the complexities of international markets, companies need more than just financial acumen and business experience. Integrating professionals with broader expertise in politics, geopolitics, and government affairs into corporate boards is becoming essential.  

In today’s rapidly evolving global business environment, the traditional composition of corporate boards is increasingly inadequate. The international business landscape is no longer defined exclusively by market dynamics and economic indicators. Political decisions – by their nature products of a complex mix of evolving national interests, broad strategic considerations, and variable emotions and societal moods […]

Our 2023 – 2024 study, Executive Trends in Public Affairs, captures the unique insights and candid experiences of senior public affairs and government relations leaders from over 300 organizations across distinct cities and political cultures, offering Mavens a deeper understanding of the profiles, pathways, and perspectives that define the most dynamic and impactful leaders in […]

Brussels Managing Director Anna Koj sits down with Steffen Ganders, Head of Global Public Affairs at German Bionic, to discuss what it means to build a PA function from the ground up, and the challenges that senior leaders face in bringing government relations and corporate affairs into fast-changing and agile organizations, as well as the role of PA in bringing innovative technologies to market and supporting growth in scale-up companies.

Breaking into the EU public affairs world may seem interesting as a young professional at the outset of your career. The players in this industry are often global leaders with aspirations of staying on top through excellence. Many young professionals, for instance, believe that taking the first step starts with a Bluebook or a Schuman traineeship. However, not all career paths look alike. Climbing the career steps in the EU Bubble can look different to everyone. One sure thing is the fact that the candidates who manage to secure their positions and grow in the “Bubble” will be the ones who understand it.

Breaking into the EU public affairs world may seem interesting as a young professional at the outset of your career. The players in this industry are often global leaders with aspirations of staying on top through excellence. Many young professionals, for instance, believe that taking the first step starts with a Bluebook or a Schuman […]

A look back on the highlights our Brussels - EU team delivered from 2022 to 2023, alongside continued international growth and all new insights on evolving topics in the field of recruitment, talent management, and strategic leadership in public affairs.

You recently joined Mavence to drive development across Belgium. Given your extensive background in Public Affairs, we’d love to dig deeper into how you see the field, and what kind of unique perspectives you bring.   Q: To start off, can you share some insights on the Belgian Public Affairs market in particular?   A: Of course. […]

Many commentators are already remarking on how 2024 is set to be an unprecedented year in global democracy. There is more than just institutional or political change on the horizon, however with cycles of political and professional turnover often mirroring each other. With approximately half the global population participating in elections, this colossal democratic exercise is also creating ripples across various sectors, notably in recruitment and hiring cycles. 

Many commentators are already remarking on how 2024 is set to be an unprecedented year in global democracy. With more than 4 billion people across 60 countries going to the polls in the next 12 months, the potential for change is high. The outcomes of these elections will be pivotal in determining the political priorities […]

In this interview, Mavence Brussels Managing Director Anna Koj sits down with Anna Holmberg, Head of EU office at SFIF - the Swedish Forest Industry Federation to discuss a range of topics reflecting unique perspectives on PA in Brussels and beyond, from diverse professional backgrounds in public affairs, different pathways into policy and engagement portfolios, and where public affairs fits within the broader ecosystem of social and business functions.

In our latest interview with senior leaders from across the Brussels Bubble and beyond, Mavence Managing Director Anna Koj sits down with Andrew Manasseh, Managing Director at Formative Communications and a leading practitioner and trainer, in a broad and insightful discussion on communications skillsets across sectors and organisational backgrounds, artificial intelligence (AI), and the intersection of both in EU affairs.

Career Development is taking on a new dimension in the workplace and in the context of long-term professional growth through dedicated coaching programmes. This trend is emerging not just in the “Brussels bubble” – an insight captured in the recent 2023 ESAE-Mavence joint leadership study – but across competitive and fast-moving professional ecosystems internationally, including key advocacy hubs. Individuals […]

This is probably a sentence we, as recruiters in Public Policy & Government Affairs, find ourselves saying at least once a week when asked the question “do I need to write a letter of motivation?” by candidates we’ve approached. From experience, most candidates find it reassuring and a source of confidence to know that we […]

Virtual interview featuring Nadim Hasbani, Head of Government Affairs at Microsoft UAE, in conversation with Mavence Global CEO Jason Descamps

Read the full 2023 joint Mavence – ESAE study on Association Leadership here, and download the report below:  

Senior leaders from diverse backgrounds and across this field seem to share the belief that, beyond a certain level of seniority in their careers – usually “Director” titles and above – it is no longer their job to… well, find jobs. “If a company wants to hire someone like me, they should come talk to me” is a typical attitude that experienced consultants in the executive search industry will recognize as all too familiar from this kind of profile.

Part 2 of the discussion between Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO, and Anna Koj, Managing Director of Mavence Brussels.

Managing Director of Mavence Brussels Anna Koj sits down with Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO, in this first of a two-part discussion.

What does work/life balance mean for Public Affairs professionals? What insights can you share?

“A high degree of flexibility” is an increasingly more important requirement when recruiting new employees. This is particularly the case for public affairs positions, and has been reinforced in recent years. Committee meeting dates cannot be influenced, as agendas are typically set by regulators or by the rules governing key working bodies, and across their […]

On November 22nd, Mavence, the executive search & talent solution firm specialized in public affairs, hosted a new virtual panel event across our Brussels and Paris offices featuring a high-level panel exchange on EU & national trends for the near future.

Discover our latest two-part interview, an insightful discussion between CEO of Trianon Scientific Communications & President of The Brussels Binder Audrey-Flore Ngomsik, and Managing Director of Mavence Brussels Anna Koj.

Discover our latest two-part interview, an insightful discussion between CEO of Trianon Scientific Communications & President of The Brussels Binder Audrey-Flore Ngomsik, and Managing Director of Mavence Brussels Anna Koj.

As we come out of the summer break, the Brussels public affairs job market remains as dynamic as ever. While an increased pace of talent turn-over sees organisations continuously trying to adapt, growing recruitment needs and evolving employee expectations add new layers of challenge and opportunity. And all the while, a new trend is taking […]

In this latest interview, Managing Director of Mavence Brussels Anna Koj sits down with Vidhya Sampath, Head of EU Corporate Affairs and Public Policy at TCS, for an in-depth, 2-part discussion on talent and leadership.

In this latest interview, Managing Director of Mavence Brussels Anna Koj sits down with Vidhya Sampath, Head of EU Corporate Affairs and Public Policy at TCS, for an in-depth, 2-part discussion on talent and leadership.

Our team of Mavens share what's on their summer reading list this year to help you relax, get inspired, and enjoy the weeks ahead.

In this latest interview, Mavence Senior Consultants Sergey Golyshin and Sebastien Bechara sit down with Eleonora Varntoumian, Health and Policy Manager at the European Cancer Patient Coalition and President of the European Health Parliament.

Mavence – 2022 competitiveness study – infographic report

On April 27, Mavence hosted senior organizational leaders from across the international public affairs sector for a virtual Executive Roundtable, focused on organisational leadership, talent management, and resilience during times of crisis.

Mavence Managing Director for Brussels, Anna Koj, sits down with Jelmen Haaze, Secretary General of the Belgian Alliance for Sustainable Palm Oil, in our latest installment from our interview series with senior organisational leadership and PA experts.

In the current and future job market, highly driven by candidates on the one hand and greatly impacted by increasing complexity of issues on the other, strategic recruitment is becoming an imperative for organisations not only to flourish but to survive. Failure to modernise and adapt talent structures and management practices will lead to the loss of a competitive edge in the short term, and an increasing inability to integrate and leverage new skills and perspectives from the broader job market. Ultimately, leadership needs to connect with talent at the intersection of these trends, or their organisations will struggle to thrive.

In the current and future job market, highly driven by candidates on the one hand and greatly impacted by increasing complexity of issues on the other, strategic recruitment is becoming an imperative for organisations not only to flourish but to survive. Failure to modernise and adapt talent structures and management practices will lead to the […]

Part 2 of the interview between Olivier Boutellis-Taft, CEO of Accountancy Europe, and Anna Koj, Managing Director Brussels at Mavence.

Anna Koj, Brussels Managing Director at Mavence, sits down with Olivier Boutellis-Taft, CEO of Accountancy Europe, in a two-part interview. In this first part, both discuss leadership in EU affairs, the importance of building bridges and two-way communication in advocacy, and combining technical expertise with values-based objectives.