Joe Phelan
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
Co-Chairman
London, GB
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
THE MARQUE
In Their Own Right
Biography
Joe Phelan is the Founder of Phelan & Partners, a geopolitical consultancy specialising in communications and strategic positioning.
A senior communications executive with 20 years of experience, Joe has devised and led campaigns for heads of state and government, corporations and high-profile individuals.
Earlier in his career, Joe co-founded and subsequently led the geopolitical team of the largest PR agency network in the world. More recently he served as Special Advisor to the Commonwealth Secretary General.
In addition to his leadership of Phelan & Partners, Joe is Co-Chairman for The Greatest Works Agency, a New York based firm. The company advises educational and cultural institutions on engagement with new and diverse audiences through both site-based and digital experiences.
In the not-for-profit space, Joe previously sat on the Board of The Photographer’s Gallery in London and is both a Young Patron of the Royal Academy and a Patron of the Cape Town City Ballet. Joe has been recognised by Spear's Magazine as a Recommended specialist in reputation management and strategic communications since 2019.
The Record
Background
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2016 — Present
Partner
Etoile
Etoile Partners is a geopolitical consultancy firm that is based in London with a highly experienced consulting team that executes strategies around the world. Etoile Partners specialises in strategic positioning and international affairs in their work with a range of clients from governments, to organisations and leaders.
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2016 — Present
Founder
Phelan & Partners
Phelan & Partners advises government, corporate and high-profile individuals on strategic communications, political and business engagement.
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2017 — Present
Co-Chairman
The Greatest Works Agency
Founded in 2017, The Greatest Works Agency is a leading strategic advisory firm to the industries of education and culture. The agency specialises in site-based and digital educational experiences, with the aim to enhance intellectual and artistic excellence globally.
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2014 — 2016
MD & Executive Vice President | Head of International Corporate Communications
Weber Shandwick
After co-founding the geopolitical team of Weber Shandwick, Joe worked as Managing Director before taking on the role of Executive Vice President.
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2010 — 2014
Senior Director & Executive Vice President
Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a public relations and communications network. The network aims to develop innovative and forward-thinking strategies for brands, businesses and organisations that are based in major markets around the world. Weber Shandwick has received numerous awards that recognise its creativity and achievements in the industry.
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2005 — 2010
Associate Director & Director
Bell Pottinger
Joe started his career at Bell Pottinger, which at the time was one of the world’s leading full-service communications companies. He joined as an Associate and then transitioned into the role of Associate Director.
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2016 — 2016
Special Advisor to The Secretary General (Transition)
The Commonwealth
The Commonwealth consists of 54 independent nations that work together in the common interests of their people. The commonwealth states demonstrate an international understanding and unity as they collaboratively tackle a range of issues including development, democracy, dept management and trade.
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2017 — 2023
Senior Advisor | Global Solutions
APCO Worldwide
APCO Worldwide is a global communications agency that was established in 1984 and has been named ‘Agency of the Decade’ by Holmes Report. APCO helps organisations to navigate and thrive in the dynamic, fast-paced and complex world they operate in.
In The News
Newsfeed
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2 December 2025 · Mace Magazine
Top 100 Political Consultants 2025/26
Read more -
5 February 2025 · Spear's
The best reputation managers
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18 January 2024 · Family Capital
Why your reputation is your most valuable asset
Read more -
12 August 2022 · The Greatest Works Agency
The Greatest Works Agency is pleased to announce Joe Phelan’s appointment as Co-Chairman of the fi
Read more
Formative Years
Education
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The University of Edinburgh
Master of Arts (MA) History
1998 — 2001
Areas Of Focus