Paul Downes, co-founder of Merlin, was formerly Deputy Chief Executive in the UK of Georgeson, the world’s largest specialist financial communication consulting group. Prior to that he was Director of Financial PR at Valin Pollen and has over 20 years’ experience in the industry.

Paul specialises in transaction work and crisis management and has extensive new issue, privatisation, merger and acquisition experience. He has  advised and represented a wide range of major global corporations, banks and institutions, including the BBC, BP, Bridgepoint, Bayerische Hypo Bank, Cinven, GE, Man Group, Matra-Hachette, Morgan Stanley, and Virgin Group. In addition to his management responsibilities as Merlin’s CEO, he remains actively involved in consulting and is focused in particular on clients in the Leisure, Media & Entertainment, and Financial Services industries. He is also widely regarded in the City as a leading PR advisor on corporate restructurings and refinancings. Paul graduated with a BA Hons in English from Nottingham University in 1981.