North Coast Communications adds Richard Spooner as senior advisor for the Caspian region

By AI, Created 4:29 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – North Coast Communications has named Astana-based Richard Spooner as senior advisor for the Caspian region, expanding the Washington consultancy’s work in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and cross-border business. The hire is designed to deepen market-entry, advisory and stakeholder outreach support for clients operating across the region and the U.S.

Why it matters: - North Coast Communications is expanding its advisory bench in a region where policy, investment and market access are tightly linked. - Richard Spooner’s appointment adds local presence in Astana and more than 30 years of regional experience. - The move strengthens NCC’s ability to support clients working across Kazakhstan, Central Asia and the Caspian corridor.

What happened: - North Coast Communications named Richard Spooner senior advisor for the Caspian Region. - Spooner is based in Astana, Kazakhstan. - His role covers strategic advisory, business development and market-entry work tied to Kazakhstan, the wider Caspian region and the U.S. market. - David N. Silverman, founder and president of North Coast Communications, announced the appointment.

The details: - Spooner has worked in and on Kazakhstan for more than 30 years. - He spent 15 years advising the Government of Kazakhstan on foreign investment tied to major oil and gas projects. - His background includes foreign investment, government relations, commercial strategy and regional advisory work. - NCC said Spooner will help provide market intelligence, relationship-driven business development, stakeholder mapping, strategic outreach, qualified introductions and advisory support for market positioning. - The firm said the hire supports organizations operating at the intersection of policy, public relations, investment and cross-border business. - North Coast Communications is a Washington-based strategic communications and public affairs consultancy.

Between the lines: - The hire signals NCC’s push to compete as a cross-border advisory shop, not just a communications consultancy. - Spooner’s Kazakhstan experience and government relationships may be especially useful for clients entering the region or navigating public-sector touchpoints. - The firm is also building out a wider international platform, with an Asia-Pacific office in Manila led by J. Andrew Scott and a recent addition of Dr. Akbota Karibayeva in Washington. - Silverman said Spooner brings deep regional knowledge, business expertise and trusted relationships, and added, “Also, Go Red Sox.”

What’s next: - NCC is likely to lean on Spooner for regional introductions, market positioning and advisory work for clients targeting Kazakhstan and the Caspian market. - The appointment should complement the firm’s Manila office and its growing integrated advisory and analysis capabilities. - North Coast Communications will continue pitching international clients that need support across policy, investment and communications.

The bottom line: - North Coast Communications is betting that local expertise in Astana can help win more cross-border advisory work across the Caspian region.**