Game-changing professionalized expertise to enhance public affairs through education and innovative online courses.

Tokyo, Japan – June 18, 2024 – Gemini Group, a comprehensive provider of public affairs and government relations services in Japan, and Advocacy Academy, the leading online education platform for public affairs professionals, are proud to announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to promote best practices in public affairs across Japan and the Asia-Pacific by leveraging Advocacy Academy's cutting-edge online program.

The partnership will merge Gemini Group’s extensive experience in public policy and government relations in Japan with Advocacy Academy’s unique educational resources designed specifically for public affairs professionals. Together, they will provide a robust platform for public affairs education, empowering professionals at all levels with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the field.

Objective

This strategic alliance will enable Gemini Group and Advocacy Academy to enhance the skills and capabilities of public affairs professionals in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific. By leveraging Advocacy Academy’s comprehensive instructional videos, toolkits, templates, and practical guides with Gemini Group’s deep-rooted expertise and networks, the partnership will accelerate the professionalization of the public affairs community in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.

Background

Gemini Group, founded in 2023 by brothers Mickey and Kelly Langley, specializes in assisting multinational corporations, international organizations, industry associations, NPOs/NGOs, SMEs, and startups with navigating the complexities of public policy and government affairs in Japan and the Asia Pacific. With a commitment to delivering end-to-end public affairs solutions, Gemini Group has quickly established itself as a trusted advisor in the sector. The Langley brothers, both holding MBAs from GLOBIS University, bring a wealth of experience and bilingual proficiency in English and Japanese to their leadership roles.

Advocacy Academy is renowned for being the only comprehensive, user-friendly online platform tailored for public affairs professionals, by public affairs professionals. When coupled with their Workshop offerings and consultancy support Advocacy Academy is a powerful tool to improve your Public Affairs. Co-founded by Dr. Alan Hardacre and Dr. Paul Shotton, Advocacy Academy offers an array of educational content created by a global team of experts, equipping professionals with essential skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in their careers.

Leadership Bios

Kelly Langley, Co-CEO of Gemini Group Kelly Langley is a distinguished government affairs specialist with a strong track record in leading projects for Fortune 500 companies across technology, energy, healthcare, and defense industries. As an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), he has championed numerous initiatives advocating for best practices in public policy and regulation, including leading a Task Force dedicated to the ACCJ’s position on innovation, startups, and FDI. He previously worked for a leading fintech and banking solutions provider focused on diversified and alternative investments. Kelly holds an MBA from GLOBIS University and is fluent in English and Japanese.

Mickey Langley, Co-CEO of Gemini Group Mickey Langley has over a decade of experience in managing operations for a leading public affairs firm in Tokyo. He excels in project planning and strategy development, with a focus on public relations, events, and communications. Mickey has successfully expanded a UK agency in Japan, providing market entry and branding advice. He also holds an MBA from GLOBIS University and is fluent in English and Japanese.

Dr. Alan Hardacre, Advisor to Advocacy Academy Dr. Alan Hardacre is a renowned expert in Advocacy and Public Affairs, specializing in crafting and delivering top-tier public affairs strategies. With a background as Director of Group Corporate Affairs at Imperial Brands, he brings extensive consulting experience to clients like CropLife Africa & Middle East and the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association. Alan holds a PhD in International Economic and Political Relations from Loughborough University.

Dr. Paul Shotton, Advisor to Advocacy Academy Paul Shotton is co-founder of Advocacy Strategy and Advocacy Academy in Brussels and is dedicated to advancing the professionalization of advocacy practice through innovation and bridging research with practice. With over two decades of experience in Brussels, London, and The Hague, Paul has worked across media, trade associations, companies, NGOs, and academia. His passion for exploring advocacy with professionals and students has driven his work in structuring the advocacy process and gathering best practices. He holds a PhD in Information and communication science from the University of Nancy II in France.

Gemini Group and Advocacy Academy Join Forces to Elevate Public Affairs Best Practices in Japan

Objective

Background

Leadership Bios

Company Information

About Gemini Group

About Advocacy Academy