Santarelli & Partners Consulting

Santarelli & Partners Consulting is a strategic communications and advisory firm based in Rome, Italy, serving a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, cultural organizations, and public sector entities. The agency focuses on clients active in the Italian and international markets, particularly those requiring strong positioning within the European context. Its work is grounded in over three decades of experience in institutional communication, media relations, and crisis management, making it a practical choice for organizations navigating complex regulatory and reputational landscapes.

Strategic Focus and Core Capabilities

Santarelli & Partners Consulting specializes in helping clients build and manage their reputations through a mix of strategic counsel and hands-on execution. The firm’s approach is rooted in its founder Marco Santarelli’s extensive background as a communicator and journalist, including leadership roles at Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), where he oversaw communications for Italy, Malta, Turkey, and the Western Balkans. This institutional experience informs the agency’s ability to advise on high-stakes issues such as crisis management, international positioning, and policy advocacy. The agency also integrates sustainability and cultural finance into its offerings, reflecting a niche focus on connecting business objectives with broader societal and cultural narratives.

Services and Specializations

While the firm does not publicly list a detailed service menu, its expertise is evident from its track record and stated focus areas. Typical services provided by Santarelli & Partners Consulting include:

• Strategic communications planning and advisory
• Media relations and press office management
• Crisis and reputation management
• International positioning and EU affairs communications
• Corporate storytelling and thought leadership
• Cultural and sustainability communications
• Finance for culture and art-related advisory
• Institutional relations and public affairs

These services are tailored to the needs of clients who require sophisticated, multi-stakeholder engagement. For example, the agency’s work in cultural finance involves advising organizations on how to leverage cultural assets for strategic communication and investment, a niche that sets it apart from many generalist PR firms. Similarly, its crisis management practice draws on deep experience in handling sensitive situations for public and private institutions.

Location and Reach

Santarelli & Partners Consulting is headquartered in Rome, Italy, at 4 Via Gaetano Donizetti, in the city’s central Lazio region. The firm also maintains an operational office in Milan, allowing it to serve clients across Italy’s key business hubs. Its Rome base is strategic for clients engaging with Italian national institutions, European Union bodies, and international organizations. The agency’s international experience, particularly in EU affairs and cross-border positioning, makes it well-suited for companies seeking to expand their influence beyond Italy. The combination of a Roman headquarters and Milanese presence provides access to both political and commercial centers, which is valuable for integrated campaigns.

Ideal Client Profile

Santarelli & Partners Consulting is a good fit for mid-to-large enterprises, financial institutions, cultural foundations, and public sector bodies that need sophisticated communications support with a European and international dimension. Startups and smaller organizations may find the agency’s focus on institutional and high-level advisory less accessible, though its expertise in cultural finance could benefit arts-related ventures. Companies facing complex reputational challenges, those entering new markets, or organizations seeking to align their communications with sustainability and cultural themes will find particular value in the firm’s specialized approach. The agency’s deep roots in Rome, Italy, and its founder’s institutional pedigree make it a credible partner for clients who prioritize strategic depth and experience over broad-based consumer PR.