From evolving cybersecurity threats to new regulatory changes, natural disasters and international sanctions, now more than ever business leaders need a partner they can trust in a crisis.
The Vested Crisis Communications team prioritizes readiness, response and reputation management.
Real time response with 24/7 availability
Existing relationships with the journalists, publishers and influencers you need to reach
Hands on experience managing complex issues for global companies and Fortune 500s
Scenario planning and crisis playbook development to ensure readiness before a crisis strikes
Industry Leading Crisis Communications Experts
Amber Roberts
US CEO
Amber brings more than 20 years of experience leading corporate, crisis and financial communications programs for buy and sell side financial services institutions, fintechs and publicly traded companies. Amber has counseled companies of all sizes and structures, from Fortune 500’s to privately held fintechs, on crisis and corporate reputation initiatives spanning litigation, regulatory situations, shareholder activism and cybersecurity.
Elspeth Rothwell
EMEA CEO
Elspeth is Vested’s EMEA CEO and responsible for international expansion and delivery. She partners with senior executives and marketing and communications leaders in financial services to manage reputations and navigate risk.
Starting her career as the dotcom bubble burst, Elspeth became quickly experienced in crisis communications and subsequently represented major financial institutions and niche players through the global financial crisis. More recently, she has supported clients through executive changes, legal cases, high profile customer complaints and regulatory notices.
In her international capacity Elspeth runs our network of agency partners to provide 24/7 support for clients, including as a board advisor for Asia-based Ashbury. She is a contributing lecturer for City University.
Katie Spreadbury
UK CEO
Katie is an experienced crisis communicator with extensive experience in the financial services industry, having worked across sectors such as banking, insurance, payments, and fintech for over 17 years. Katie is adept at managing high-pressure situations, protecting reputations, and delivering clear, impactful strategies when it matters most.
From navigating critical legal matters and the impact of complex industry-wide crises and their ripple effects, Katie specialises in crafting tailored responses that address stakeholder concerns and maintain trust. With a deep understanding of media dynamics, audience behaviors, and regulatory requirements, Katie quickly assesses situations and implements strategies that minimise fallout and rebuild confidence – a trusted advisor for organisations during their most critical moments.
Ted Birkhahn
Managing Director
Ted Birkhahn is a seasoned communications executive specializing in crisis communications and issues management. With over 25 years of experience, he has successfully navigated numerous high-stakes crisis engagements, both domestically and internationally. His strategic counsel has guided clients through numerous corporate transactions, executive departures and succession plans, COVID-19 responses, regulatory and legal proceedings and corporate malfeasance.
Danny Calogero
Managing Director
Danny is a Managing Director and financial services specialist with over 15 years’ experience advising leadership teams. He has guided some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions through periods of regulatory intervention, market turbulence, and heightened scrutiny.
Danny’s expertise extends to navigating complex regulatory investigations, managing media scrutiny, and advising on shareholder activism campaigns. He has also worked closely with investor groups, helping them to communicate effectively and protect their positions during high-stakes engagements.
With a unique blend of deep financial services knowledge and a sophisticated understanding of corporate affairs and stakeholder engagement, Danny is a trusted adviser to clients during their most critical moments.
Jacqueline Gogel
Managing Director
Jac is a highly sought-after communications advisor with over 15 years of experience, specializing in crisis communications, issues management, and reputation recovery. She partners regularly with C-suite teams to shape corporate and executive positioning, develop compelling narratives, engage strategically with the media, and manage investor relations — both proactively and during critical crisis moments. Jac’s expertise spans a diverse range of clients, from newly launched fintech companies to some of the world’s largest financial institutions.
Eric Hazard
Managing Director
Eric brings more than 20 years of experience in advising executives and board members on special situations to the most systemically important financial service companies and financial market infrastructure providers in the world. Eric’s counsel is informed by a career which began at Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor and later included work in the corporate treasury department at Michaels Stores and at Asset International, publishers of Plan Sponsor, Plan Adviser and Global Custodian, as a journalist and publisher. He has worked for leading financial service public relations agencies for more than 15 years.
Our Crisis Communications Services
Vested plans for crisis situations with your business in advance, allowing your company to orchestrate and manage its formal response to the media and other audiences if and when it happens.
CRISIS PLAYBOOK DEVELOPMENT
Our experts work with your team to develop a crisis playbook that will act as the guide to response and action during times of crisis.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
When a disruptive or unexpected event crops up, we’re here to guide your organization through it. From executive fraud and bankruptcies to SEC violations, we’ve worked through it all.
EXECUTIVE GUIDANCE
During a crisis, the way business executives come across is key to controlling the narrative. Our experts share crucial guidance for ensuring a coordinated and effective response to the crisis.
SCENARIO PREPARATION
Every crisis is as unique as the organization it impacts. We develop and plan for scenarios that are specific to your business and industry to ensure there is a well-defined strategy specific to you.
CRISIS SIMULATIONS
We conduct exercises designed to simulate real-life crisis scenarios, allowing organizations to practice and refine their crisis management and communication strategies in a controlled environment.
RAPID RESPONSE
We have teams available across the globe and around the clock to help your organization quickly and effectively address a crisis as it unfolds.
MEDIA RELATIONS
With deep ties to top-tier media, we manage narratives in crises, ensuring accurate coverage that protects reputations and drives business impact.
The Crisis Newsroom
A Different Game Day for CEOs: Super Bowl Ads Aim to Drive Shareholder Interest
Pfizer and Meta used Super Bowl ads to shape corporate strategy, market perception, and investor confidence.
Eric Hazard, Managing Director
The Regulatory Horizon for Finance
The Trump administration is reshaping financial regulation, from shutting down the CFPB to easing merger restrictions and navigating Supreme Court rulings.
Milton Ezrati, Chief Economist
Striking the Right Balance Between CEO Visibility and Security
Discover strategies to balance CEO visibility and security, ensuring effective leadership while minimizing risks in today’s complex environment.
Ted Birkhahn, Managing Director
Five Questions For Post-Merger Communications
Discover strategies to balance CEO visibility and security, ensuring effective leadership while minimizing risks in today’s complex environment.
Amber Roberts, US CEO