Charlie Barker Joins Houston's Capital Market's Team Following Series of New Client Wins

Houston is delighted to welcome former MHP Managing Director Charlie Barker to its team, as the Group continues to strengthen its fast-growing Capital Markets practice. Charlie brings a wealth of strategic advisory expertise, having spent more than 12 years advising listed and private companies on their financial and strategic communications. This includes wide ranging experience across numerous high-profile M&A and IPO transactions, special situations, crisis and financial calendar work, as well as designing and delivering multi-stakeholder programmes for UK and international clients.

Recent years have seen Houston go from strength to strength as the Group continues to expand its capability across Capital Markets, Corporate and Consumer advisory. In May 2024 the Agency was acquired by Dutch media services Group Candid, as part of their full-service brand agency Brand Potential.

Charlie will work closely with Houston’s CEO Kate Hoare to continue to develop the Group’s growing franchise in Capital Markets and Corporate Strategic Advisory. Recent new client wins have included Portmeirion Group and the International Schools Partnership. Houston was also highly commended in the 2024 PR Week Annual Corporate Affairs Awards for its support to Biffa PLC on its successful c.£2bn takeover by Energy Capital Partners.

Commenting, Kate Hoare, CEO of Houston said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Charlie into the team. As a highly experienced strategic advisor he not only brings a breadth of valuable expertise but is ambitious for the longer-term development of our Capital Markets practice.

Here at Houston we are incredibly proud of the work we do for our growing portfolio of clients. Our capability across brand, reputation and insight is core to our holistic perspective to stakeholder engagement and the breadth of support we can offer our clients and I’m looking forward to working closely with Charlie as we continue to expand the business.”

Charlie Barker added: “I’m delighted to join Houston at this exciting time. Kate and the Houston team have built a fantastic business that continues to go from strength to strength, with new business wins and growth opportunities aplenty ahead.

Having joined leading European marcomms platform CANDID last year, Houston has a compelling full service offer that is delivering impact and helping corporates successfully navigate through their communications challenges. I’m looking forward to playing my part in supporting Houston’s growth ahead.”