HPS Welcomes Brai Odion-Esene As Senior Director, Stratton Kirton As Director
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Hamilton Place Strategies (HPS) announced two senior additions to the firm. Brai Odion-Esene, former Washington Bureau Manager for Market News International (MNI), joins the firm as a Senior Director, and Stratton Kirton, previously of Hill+Knowlton (H+K) Strategies, joins the firm as a Director.
“We’re incredibly excited that Brai and Stratton are joining our team,” said Tony Fratto, founding partner of HPS. “We were lucky to find terrific people who have a global outlook and experience dealing with complex issues. I’m looking forward to working with them on behalf of our clients, and in helping us execute our growth strategy.”
Brai joins HPS from MNI, where he has served as the Washington Bureau Manager since 2012, and as a reporter and editor since 2007. During his time at MNI, Brai served as a correspondent covering Washington and the Federal Reserve, and as an editor and content manager. In his role as Senior Director at HPS, he will lead communications efforts for clients, drawing on his experience covering the financial services sector and the Federal Reserve.
“I am excited to join a firm with a strong reputation for innovation and forward-thinking,” Brai said of the announcement. “HPS is a rapidly growing firm and I am glad to be a part of the team.”
Stratton joins HPS from H+K Strategies, where he most recently served as an account supervisor and a core member of the public affairs and energy practices in H+K’s Washington office. Prior to his work at H+K in Washington, Stratton worked on trade and technology issues at PBN Hill+Knowlton Strategies in Moscow, Russia. Stratton also draws on experience from working in the Offices of Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). Stratton will lead client teams on energy, environment, technology, and trade issues in his role as Director.
“I am thrilled to join a team that is so dedicated to data-driven communications and advocacy,” Stratton said. “HPS has positioned itself as a leader in the field and I can’t wait to contribute to their great work.”
Brai graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts, and also holds a Masters of Science in Management Studies from Cass Business School, a part of City University in London. He is currently studying for an Executive MBA at Georgetown University.
Stratton graduated from Stetson University with a dual-Bachelor of Arts in political science and Russian studies, and also holds a Masters of Arts in energy policy from Georgetown University.