Brown O’Connor is a full-service communications consultancy specialising in Public Affairs, Media Relations, Reputation Management, Planning and Property PR, Stakeholder Engagement, Litigation PR, Issues Management and Crisis Communications. 

Brown O’Connor is an ambitious and trusted communications consultancy run by two of Northern Ireland’s leading practitioners. We help our clients gain impact and outcomes through specialist insight and influence with decision makers. We have a growing track record for managing and delivering complex communications solutions for some of the UK and Ireland’s leading business organisations, charities, trade bodies, interest groups and public sector organisations.

Our insight and influence has been developed over a combined 20 years of experience in Belfast and London, working with the highest profile clients on nationally significant campaigns. Our specialism in lobbying and media relations for private sector companies and organisations shows that we have the ability to create impact on demanding issues.

From political intelligence gathering, right through to strategic advice on politics or the media to Chief Executives, Chairs and Heads of Function, we have the drive, determination and energy to ensure that clients develop a level of trust in Brown O’Connor Communications that is unparalleled.

chris brown - Joint Managing director

EMAIL  |  TWITTER  |  LINKEDIN

Chris Brown

Joint managing director

A seasoned all-rounder, he is best known for his specialisms in Public Affairs, Corporate PR, Property & Planning PR and Crisis Communication & Issues Management. Chris has 15 years’ experience in London and Belfast working with high profile clients on national and international campaigns.

His ability to set out strategic direction for senior management across the private, public and voluntary sectors in Northern Ireland has gained him trusted adviser status. This is due to his detailed work, integrity, professional approach and a strong commercial focus.

His insight and influence with opinion formers, elected representatives and business leaders means that he can deliver strategies and tactics that have impact and positive outcomes for clients.   

He currently sits as a board member of the Northern Ireland Assembly Business Trust and the NOW Group, a large social enterprise based in Belfast. In previous years, he has been named in the prestigious PR Week '29 under 29' listing and has won a European SABRE award for his work on bringing IKEA to Belfast.He is also an Chartered PR Practitioner of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Chris holds a MSc in Political Communication and Public Affairs, a BA in Politics and Media and is a graduate of the Kennedy School of Government, Leaders for Tomorrow Programme at Harvard University.

arlene o'connor - Joint managing director

EMAIL  |  TWITTER  |  LINKEDIN

Arlene O’Connor

joint managing director

Arlene has a wealth of experience in Public Affairs, Stakeholder Engagement, Property & Planning PR, Media Relations and Crisis Communication & Issues Management. She has 10 years’ experience working with high profile, world class clients across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Her drive and focus, as well as her commitment to clients and their strategic objectives means that she forms a crucial part of any client team and can be relied upon to navigate organisations through complex issues and events.

A skilled communicator, her links with influencers, key decision-makers, and elected representatives also means that she can connect individuals and organisations, forming critical relationships that deliver lasting results. 

She currently sits as a board member of Intercomm Ireland, an international conflict resolution organisation based in Belfast. She also sat on the Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group for a number of years and is an Chartered PR Practitioner of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Arlene holds a LLM in Human Rights Law and Criminal Justice, and a LLB in Law and Politics from Queen’s University Belfast.