Stephen Crisp joins FIPRA as Head of the Digital & Technology Practice

FIPRA International is pleased to welcome Stephen Crisp as Head of the Digital & Technology Practice as of August 31st, 2022. 

Stephen joins FIPRA with more than 20 years of extensive knowledge and global experience in public affairs and government relations, having most recently served as the Head of Central Government Affairs for DiDi.

“One thing I learned when interacting with governments at a global level is that the EU is one of the world’s most important regulatory hubs. It is hugely influential and widely copied by governments around the world, especially in policy areas relevant to high tech companies and digital players. FIPRA is an influential consultancy in that world and I am delighted to join it” said Stephen Crisp.

Stephen has had a distinguished international career working for a variety of high tech companies, having managed teams across Asia, the EU, North America and the UK. He has led policy and government affairs for various multinationals as Director, International Government Relations-Pearson; Vice President, Public Affairs (Asia, ME and Africa)-British Telecom; Director, Global Government Affairs-Jaguar Land Rover; and Global Head, Policy and Government Relations-Nokia Siemens Networks. Throughout his journey, Stephen has lived and worked in Hong Kong, Singapore, Washington DC, London, as well as in Brussels, where he served as British Telecom’s (BT) Director of European Affairs. At BT, he was instrumental in the establishment of the first commercial lobbying operation, leading the company to win several key contracts.

An experienced international government affairs leader and strategic adviser, Stephen began his career as a researcher on the back benches and Shadow Cabinet at the House of Commons and House of Lords in the UK, covering important policy areas such as food, animal welfare, water regulation, and waste. From 2003 to 2005, he was a Ministerial adviser at the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. Amongst Stephen’s proudest career moments, one of the largest is leading the GA team that gained BT an IP-VPN licence in China.

“I am excited to welcome Stephen to lead and continue to grow our Digital & Tech practice, and I am confident that his immense global experience and expertise in policy and government affairs will bring great value to our clients” said Laura Batchelor, Managing Partner, FIPRA International.

Stephen has also served on the boards of prestigious organisations and think tanks such as ETNO (the EU telecoms trade body), the British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore; the European Chamber of Commerce, Singapore; the EU Committee of British Chamber of Commerce, Belgium and the Kangaroo Group in the European Parliament.

Erik Jonnaert, Chairman, FIPRA International said “As digitization and technology continue to be at the forefront of society, I am happy to welcome Stephen with his solid experience to help us continue to shape digital policy in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders and deliver lasting impact.”

Stephen holds a BA (Hons) degree from the University of Ulster as well as an MSc from University College, London. A British national, Stephen is a Crystal Palace supporter – who served as an editor for Eagle Eye, a Crystal Palace Football Club fanzine, and has been involved in the publication of two books on the club.