Chris Blackhurst is an award-winning journalist, editor, media consultant and communications adviser with a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. He has held senior positions across some of the UK’s most respected news organisations and is widely recognised for his expertise in reputation management, strategic communications and high-stakes public affairs (Top Ten for Crisis & Reputation – PR Week).
Chris served as Editor of The Independent, where he led the national newspaper through a period of significant transition while overseeing its journalism, editorial strategy and public profile. Prior to this, he was City Editor of the Evening Standard for 10 years and a senior journalist at the Sunday Times. His reporting career includes investigative journalism, political coverage and in-depth business analysis, earning him a reputation for clarity, balance and an ability to communicate complex issues to broad audiences.
Alongside his editorial leadership roles, Chris has worked extensively and confidentially with business leaders, high-profile individuals, law firms, corporates and private family offices on their communications strategies. His work focuses on helping clients manage reputation, navigate sensitive issues and communicate effectively across media, political and public environments. He has advised on crisis communications, profile development, media engagement and narrative positioning, drawing on decades of experience inside the newsroom.
Chris is also a published author, feature writer and commentator, contributing regularly to national publications and broadcast media. His work has taken him around the world, informing a global perspective on public perception, messaging and the fast-changing dynamics of the media landscape.
As Trusted Adviser for PR & Communications for Charles Park Family Office, Chris discreetly supports families and principals in managing their external relationships with discretion, confidence and strategic foresight. Whether navigating media attention, shaping a public narrative or preparing for sensitive moments of change or media training, he brings a rare combination of editorial judgement, communications insight and deep practical experience.
Chris continues to write, speak and advise widely across the media and communications landscape. He is based in the UK and divides his time between discreet client advisory work, writing and contributing to public discourse.