Cato & Clive Partners Shuts Down After Crisis Comms Run
Sue Cato launches solo practice as influential crisis firm closes. Seven staff affected as Australia's C-suite advisory market loses key player.
Cato & Clive Partners, one of Australia's most influential strategic communications firms, will cease operations at the end of February, the company announced on January 23. Co-founder Sue Cato will continue working independently through her relaunched firm Cato Counsel, while partner Clive Mathieson departs for an undisclosed role he describes as "life changing."
The closure affects seven staff members beyond the two partners. Both founders emphasized securing "the best landings" for their team and the firm's high-profile client roster, which includes Santos, Webjet, and Canadian pension fund PSP Investments.
High-Stakes Advisory Practice Exits Market
Cato & Clive Partners specialized in confidential crisis management for C-suite executives and major corporations facing complex financial situations and reputational challenges. Many clients remained anonymous, reflecting the sensitive nature of the firm's work handling crises at senior leadership levels.
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Cato will operate her new venture from offices in Redfern, Sydney, with just an assistant and one analyst. This represents a significant scale-back from the firm's previous operations in Surry Hills. The streamlined structure suggests a shift toward selective, high-touch advisory work rather than the broader practice Cato & Clive maintained.
Mathieson declined to reveal details about his next position, creating uncertainty for clients who valued his expertise in media crisis management. The former editor of The Australian and chief of staff to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull brought government and media relationships that proved valuable for clients navigating public-facing crises.
Partnership Dissolution Remains Amicable
Despite the business closure, both partners emphasized their strong professional relationship. "Clive is and has been a fantastic person to work with," Cato said in the announcement. "This is the right move at the right time for both of us."
Mathieson reciprocated the sentiment: "Cato was a good friend before we started working together and that's only grown stronger in the seven years since. It's been a fantastic partnership, and I've learned so much from the absolute best in the game."
The partnership began in 2018 when Mathieson joined what was then Cato & Clegg. He became a named partner in 2019 following Brett Clegg's departure from the firm.
Market Gap Emerges in Crisis Advisory Sector
The closure creates a notable gap in Australia's crisis communications market, particularly for corporations requiring confidential C-suite advisory during high-stakes situations. The firm's client base spanned energy, real estate, technology, and institutional investment sectors, with many engagements involving sensitive corporate matters requiring discretion.
The timing coincides with broader changes in Australia's approach to crisis management. The Australian Government Crisis Management Framework, revised in September 2024, emphasizes private-sector resilience across cyber, climate, and regulatory risks. This framework reflects growing demand for sophisticated crisis advisory as organizations navigate increasingly complex risk environments.
Australia has also invested more than $560 million in ASEAN and Mekong region programs since 2005, supporting conflict prevention and crisis response capabilities across the region. These cross-border initiatives highlight the interconnected nature of crisis management in the Asia-Pacific.
Cato expressed optimism about her new solo venture, saying she looked forward to this next chapter. The firm's closure marks the end of one of Australia's most recognized names in strategic communications advisory.
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