Former UK Labour Party leader in the European Parliament and four-term MEP Gary Titley, has joined Hume Brophy as a Senior Consultant. Hume Brophy are the very capable European Public Affairs agency/lobbyists who work very

closely with the European Travel Retail Council (ETRC) on issues and threats to the European (and global) travel retail industry.

Managing Partner John Hume said: ‘We are delighted to have Gary join our team. He brings great legislative experience to Hume Brophy and key insight for our clients.

‘Hume Brophy has been growing continuously over the last few years and Gary is a perfect fit for our expanding client base. Gary will work primarily on EU-related issues, but will also be bringing his expertise to our UK public affairs practice.’

Gary Titley will now join his former parliamentary colleague John Cushnahan at Hume Brophy, working with clients in the energy, financial services and transport sectors.

Background: Gary Titley was first elected to the European Parliament in 1989 and served until 2009. From 2002 he was Leader of the Labour Group in the European Parliament and a member of the Labour Party's National Executive. His role as leader involved him in extensive dealings with the British Government, both at a political and official level. He also served on the UK Government's European Joint Ministerial committee.

During this time he also served on several key committees, including Foreign Affairs, Transport, Industry and Energy, Internal Market, Economic and Monetary and Legal Affairs. He was also the Socialist Group spokesman on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Gary is a specialist on enlargement questions and was the Socialist Group's Vice-President responsible for the 2004 enlargement.