The Smoother-Over
Hartley Fenwick-Adeyemi
Chief Institutional Reputation Officer
“Reputation is a vintage; it improves with careful storage and the occasional denial.”
Biography
Hartley Fenwick-Adeyemi is responsible for the Institution’s reputation, a portfolio he describes as “an asset class with no fixed redemption date.” He is the principal author of the Doctrine of Measured Response, under which any public criticism must be acknowledged within one hour, studied for three and gently superseded by a new announcement within a week.
Before joining he served as Director of Public Confidence at the Allied Cellars Reciprocity Network, where he managed the aftermath of the Great Labelling Misunderstanding of 2008, an episode he is still unable to discuss for reasons he is also unable to discuss. His speeches are widely admired for saying a great deal without committing to any of it.
Career history
- 2013–presentChief Institutional Reputation OfficerThe Shit Wine Guide
- 2006–2013Director of Public ConfidenceAllied Cellars Reciprocity Network
- 2001–2006Head of Crisis ComposureValmere Beverage Governance Group
- 1996–2001Senior Counsellor, PressLower Ashmere Cellar Appraisal Board
- 1994–1996Press OfficerThe Meridian Decanting Society
Personal philosophy
A good reputation, like a good wine, is made in the cellar and defended at the door.
Professional achievements
- Authored the Doctrine of Measured Response
- Oversaw recovery from the Great Labelling Misunderstanding of 2008
- Maintained an unbroken run of 2,711 consecutive reassuring statements
Industry contributions
- Custodian of the Institution’s Statement Archive
- Convenor of the Reputation Council
- Founder of the Annual Lecture on Public Calm