Meet the Team
With over seven decades of industry experience across our team, we have the in-depth knowledge and expertise to effectively meet the needs of our clients.
Kevin Johnston
Kevin is responsible for the overall strategic direction of Johnston Associates and is a leading authority on crisis communications and media management. He has supported United Airlines for more than 25 years and is a special advisor on international public relations, in addition to working with organisations worldwide, as a speaker, advisor and trainer. He founded the company in 1998, after running BAA’s Heathrow Terminal 5 (T5) press office during its five-year public inquiry. Kevin has a background in the charity sector and the political world, having started his career in public affairs.
Donald Steel
Donald is responsible for crisis communications strategy and business development at Johnston Associates. For 11 years, he was the BBC’s chief media spokesman and handled some of the most challenging media stories of the last decade. Donald’s expertise in reputation and crisis management is globally respected, working as a speaker, advisor and trainer to organisations worldwide. He also provides strategic guidance on the changing media landscape and the evolving role of social media. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2009 and became the BBC Academy’s first associate fellow in 2011.
Mike Pearse
Mike, former Broadcast Journalist of the Year, provides strategic media relations guidance at Johnston Associates. With a special interest in aviation and travel, he has for 30 years been a leading transport correspondent with ITV News, covering major stories from Coronavirus to 9/11, as well as producing landmark documentaries and live programmes. Alongside his work for ITV News, Mike’s company, Mike Pearse Media, is a leading UK media training and video production organisation.
Stephen Taiwo
Stephen Taiwo is ESG/Sustainability strategist with expertise in developing Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) strategies whilst ensuring statutory compliance. A Practitioner member of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) and Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) with over 12 years' experience and knowledge of sustainability, supply chain laws, standards, audits, and reporting tools. Experienced management systems auditor (ISO 14001 50001 & 9001).
Our associate network enables us to offer leading expertise, skills and insight to suit any need at any time. We can bring in our associates to meet clients’ changing requirements and effectively handle any eventuality, such as in a crisis or a large-scale media campaign. We will always recommend the associate most appropriate to each client’s situation and, of course, ensure they are well briefed.
John Cotton
John supports the team strategically on selected clients and projects. He has over 20 years' experience in PR/communications, brand development and partnerships in a variety of sectors including transport, tourism, retail, F&B and environmental. John was PR Manager for Singapore Airlines for nine years. He has also dealt with numerous crisis situations over the years, including media relations for Singapore Airlines during the time of the Bali bombings and SARS.
Caroline Corefield-Rose
Caroline supports the team strategically on selected clients and projects. She worked at BAA for eight years, first launching the Heathrow Express, then as head of media relations. Caroline was instrumental in BAA’s campaign for airport expansion in the South East and managed the media response to a number of front-page crises. She has over 20 years' experience in the travel, professional services, education and environmental sectors.
Sabrina Weiss
With PR and digital media experience in the environment, aviation and technology sectors, Sabrina supports the team on selected clients and projects. Sabrina holds a MSc in Communication Psychology from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and is fluent in English, German, French and Spanish.