Consello Bolsters Advisory with Brunswick Group Veteran

Event summary

  • Blake Sonnenshein joins Consello as Senior Managing Director and Head of Strategic Communications Advisory.
  • Sonnenshein previously served as a Partner at Brunswick Group for 14 years.
  • She brings experience advising senior executives across consumer-facing industries and advising on NYC development projects and JPMorgan Chase during the 2008 financial crisis.
  • Consello is expanding its Strategic Communications practice to integrate communications with investor relations, operations, and talent expertise.

The big picture

Consello’s move signals a growing demand for integrated advisory services, as CEOs face increasing pressure to manage reputation and navigate complex business challenges. The appointment of a seasoned communications executive like Sonnenshein underscores the strategic importance of proactive reputation management, particularly for firms operating in highly regulated or scrutinized industries. This expansion positions Consello to capitalize on the trend of CEOs seeking holistic counsel beyond traditional financial or operational advice.

What we're watching

Service Integration
The success of Consello’s expanded offering hinges on its ability to genuinely integrate communications with its existing advisory practices, rather than simply layering services on top of one another. This will require significant operational and cultural alignment.
Client Adoption
Whether Consello can convince existing clients to adopt the expanded Strategic Communications practice, and attract new clients specifically for this offering, will determine the financial impact of Sonnenshein’s appointment.
Talent Retention
The firm’s ability to retain and attract top communications talent will be crucial as it builds out the new practice, particularly given the competitive landscape for experienced advisors.