CVCA New Member Profile: NATIONAL Public Relations

Welcome back to CVCA Central’s member profiles series! Here we highlight the innovative and impactful organizations that are a part of the CVCA community. Each profile offers a look into the characteristics driving these organizations.

Today, we are excited to welcome and profile, a new member of the CVCA, NATIONAL Public Relations: Your Full-Service Communications Partner!

Geopolitical complexities and economic uncertainties have increased the stakes for CVCA members and their clients. There will be major challenges to navigate and opportunities to seize, and for many, this will be a defining time. NATIONAL can help both you and your clients communicate business transactions, manage crises, protect and build brands and reputations as well as maximize overall client service by providing strategic counsel and communications support. NATIONAL provides trusted counsel and regularly collaborates with CVCA members and their clients.

Tell us about NATIONAL

NATIONAL is a fully integrated professional services firm that provides corporate and financial communications, investor relations, crisis communications, government affairs, stakeholder outreach, marketing, creative design, and digital strategy support. Leveraging our team of experts from across our network of 300 professionals in 9 offices across Canada as well as 14 locations across Europe and the Middle East.

What does NATIONAL focus on?

Whether it’s positioning corporate leaders as thought leaders through unique narratives, offering valuable strategic counsel, simplifying complex issues into actionable communication plans, securing media coverage through expert storytelling, creating engaging content for diverse audiences, or delivering targeted training sessions to enhance clients’ skillsets, our vast network means we can provide our clients with creative communications solutions that set them apart in market.

Who are the key people at NATIONAL?

Brian Pearl: joined NATIONAL’s Toronto office in June 2022 as Vice-President and Practice Lead, Capital Markets and Investor Relations. 

Over the course of his career, Brian has worked on all sides of the Capital Markets – from advising on IPO strategies, to being the primary contact for investors and leading M&A activity.​Brian has developed a collaborative, entrepreneurial and client-focused approach over the past two decades, serving as a Board Member with three fast growing Canadian companies, and a strategic advisor to numerous start-ups in the Canadian market. Prior to joining NATIONAL, he served in several chief executive roles in the technology industry.​With his knowledge of Bay Street and his extensive operational experience, Brian’s insight and counsel is informed and in-demand. Brian works with many of NATIONAL’s largest corporate clients in M&A, special situations, and executive transitions. 

Interesting Facts: Brian’s accomplishments were recognized with a Top 40 Under 40 award in 2015; he holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bishop’s University and a Paralegal designation from The Law Society of Ontario.

Peter McNeill: Peter is Vice-President and Practice Lead, Capital Markets. He is a communications and marketing leader with over 25 years of experience. His leadership to both start-ups and major Fortune 500 brands include American Express, Compaq, Bell Canada Enterprises, Dell, Deloitte, Altus Group, KPMG, and CIBC.​Peter is also a graduate of Founders Institute with his own WineTech company and has had global, national, and local responsibilities showcasing his big picture thinking and entrepreneurial mindset. 

Interesting Facts: He holds a level 3 certificate with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, is past Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of Greater Toronto and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from York University and a Master of Business Administration from The Schulich School of Business.

What is NATIONAL excited about?

Were excited to get to know you and to help you and your clients. CVCA members might ask; ​‘why did you join?” You might be surprised to learn that we have a lot in common. CVCA members are made up of those who set aspirations high. At NATIONAL Public Relations, we pride ourselves on the same. As creative and strategic storytellers, we set out every day to solve our clients’ most pressing challenges and ensure their stories shine through.