
Our Team
Meet Our Senior Leaders

Dr. Paul Shotton
Partner - Co-Founder
Paul is a leading authority in advocacy and public affairs, with over two decades of experience spanning Brussels, London, and The Hague. He is driven by a deep commitment to professionalising the field - bridging academic research with real-world strategy. As the founder of Advocacy Academy, Paul shares cutting-edge methods through training, teaching, and advisory work, helping organisations rethink how they influence policy. His hallmark is the ability to translate complex insights into structured, actionable advocacy models.

Alan Hardacre PhD
Partner - Co-Founder
Alan brings a truly global perspective to public affairs, having led advocacy projects in nearly 40 countries over the past 20 years. Known for his methodical approach, he focuses on designing systems that align people, processes, and objectives for measurable impact. Alan is also a sought-after lecturer and the editor of the landmark publication How to Work with the EU Institutions. His work combines strategic precision with a dedication to elevating public affairs as a profession.

Irene Matías
Senior Partner
An expert in public affairs and strategic communication, Irene has led high-impact campaigns in Spain and across Europe. She co-founded Cambre Associates Spain, held executive positions at FTI Consulting, and served as Director General of APRI and Secretary of PACE. Her experience spans public policy, strategic communication, association management, and lobbying regulation. She currently advises institutions, collaborates in academic programs at Spanish universities, and serves as Vice President of APRI, leading the lobbying regulation agenda in Spain. She stands out for her ability to generate strategic impact and promote professional practices within the sector.

Stefan Borst
Senior Partner
Stefan combines over 20 years of experience in European public affairs, strategic communications, and organizational leadership. He has advised multinationals on navigating complex regulatory landscapes, led pan-European advocacy campaigns, and restructured industry associations for greater impact. Prior to joining Advocacy Strategy, Stefan headed Edelman’s Brussels office and served as EU Affairs Director for a global chemicals company. With a background in law and journalism, he is known for his sharp analysis, creative execution, and instinct for shaping narratives that resonate in the policy arena.

Marta Ibero
Senior Consultant
Marta is an EU-level strategic advocacy expert with over 20 years of experience helping organisations design impactful, measurable advocacy strategies. As a Senior Consultant, she supports organisations in reshaping the way they influence policy.
She serves as an alternate board member at Belgium’s Federal Institution of Human Rights and contributes to academic programs in Spain and Belgium. Her leadership background includes managing EU advocacy platforms, leading pan-European campaigns, and serving at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Costa Rica.
