John has over a decade’s experience as a commercial mediator and negotiation adviser. He is a recognised leader in the use of advanced analytical techniques to resolve a wide variety of business disputes, and is accredited by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).
His clients include multinational corporations, domestic businesses, professional firms, individuals, Government departments and public bodies. His mediation cases range from complex multi-million pound claims to the more routine day-to-day matters that may affect an organisation. These include: General contractual disputes; employment/wrongful dismissal claims; construction issues; partnership disputes; IP infringements; professional indemnity cases; personal injury claims.
In addition to conducting mediations, John regularly advises companies on tactics and strategy ahead of high-value commercial negotiations. He has particular experience of international/cross-border scenarios. Guidance includes constructing decision trees, personality profiling, formulating bid strategy, and conducting role-plays and simulations. He also undertakes interactive training in advanced negotiation skills/analysis for managers, directors and other senior personnel.
Before becoming a full-time mediator, John was a consultant with McKinsey & Co, frequently advising the boards of blue-chip companies and senior Government figures on issues of strategy, economics and international relations. He wrote the UK Government’s strategy papers on eGovernment and Sport and Physical Activity, on behalf of the Prime Minister. As well as an MBA, he holds a PhD in Game Theory (the branch of economics that examines interactive decision problems) and has previously taught at both the London Business School and Oxford University.
Clients are full of praise for John’s mediation style, saying that he has “excellent presence” and is “good at establishing rapport”, as well as being “well-prepared, energetic and committed” plus “very good at boiling decisions down to the essentials”. Other testimonials add that “his commercial background is invaluable in helping structure a solution” and that “his mastery of decision trees and risk analysis brings a welcome dose of realism to proceedings.”
John himself observes that: “More and more companies recognise professional mediation as a valuable tool for resolving commercial disputes. When deployed appropriately and effectively, it increases the chances of settlement and can lead to considerable cost savings in the long run.”
Affiliations and appointments:
Registered by CEDR
Chair of Oxford Mediation