Crisis Communications & Leader Protection

When everything's on the line… leaders call Checkmate.

Companies can survive a crisis. But CEOs don't. Checkmate Public Affairs protects leaders and their reputations. We build trust and credibility when you need it the most.

Book a Confidential Call How We Help →

Continents Served

Years' Experience

200+

Keynotes Delivered

Pro Sports Venues

The Reality

The company has lawyers. Insurance. Operational resilience.

You're the one they'll offer up to make the problem go away.

When was the last time a major corporation actually died from a crisis? BP is still pumping oil. United is still flying planes. The brand endures.

But the executive whose name got attached to the headline? Gone. Sacrificed so the board can signal a turning of the page.

That's why we don't just protect organizations. We protect the leader. Because when the cameras are rolling and the board is meeting, you need someone in your corner who's been there before.

What We Do

When the margin for error is zero.

⚡

Crisis Response

When it's happening right now. We deploy immediately to help you communicate with confidence, manage stakeholders, and take control of the narrative before others write it for you.

🛡

CrisisTether

24/7/365 access to a trusted advisor who already knows your business, your vulnerabilities, and your voice. Not a binder that collects dust — a strategic partnership. Call at 3am on Christmas Day.

🔍

Risk Assessment

Smart leaders don't wait for problems to find them. We identify where you're exposed — operationally, reputationally, and strategically — before vulnerabilities become headlines.

🎯

High-Stakes Training

This isn't generic media training. It's pressure-tested preparation for board confrontations, hostile interviews, regulatory hearings, and public scrutiny. We push you to the breaking point so the real thing doesn't.

🤝

Executive Coaching

Confidential, one-on-one advisory for leaders navigating sensitive situations: activist investors, personnel crises, public missteps, or the weight of leading under a spotlight.

🎤

Speaking & Workshops

Keynotes and workshops that help leadership teams understand how to protect their organizations — and themselves. Popular with industry conferences, executive retreats, and boards.

Track Record

Results that speak for themselves.

29%

Growth After a Fatal Accident

An operator experienced a fatal incident. Within two years, sales increased 29% as we helped rebuild confidence through transparent, human communication.

10,000+

Customers Retained After a Breach

A major insurer notified over 10,000 customers of an identity theft breach — and retained every single one through strategic communication that maintained trust.

4,000

A Community Transformed

A municipality dealing with contaminated water affecting 4,000 residents became host to a national centre of excellence for drinking water safety.

100%

Reputation Rebuilt

A public figure facing a personal scandal generated public sympathy through careful communications management, going on to host record-breaking events.

What Clients Say

Trusted when it matters most.

Checkmate Public Affairs was invaluable. We were looking at a potential bankruptcy after a fatal accident. Checkmate not only came up with a strategy, they helped us execute it. Business has actually improved since!

Tony PascoeSerengeti Balloon Safaris, Tanzania

Jeff Chatterton just 'gets it.' He took a very scary situation for us, and turned it into a victory. We couldn't have done it without him.

Julie MillardOntario Teachers Insurance Plan, Canada

I was really impressed by Jeff's ability to step off the plane and start coming up with ideas. He worked well with our team, and really saved us during a scary situation.

Joy RoaPhilippines Int'l Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Jeff took a very complex issue, broke it down, and helped us communicate.

Bob HunterMaple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto

We represent over 1,800 game camps, bush lodges and destinations across Africa. When our clients run into trouble, they turn to us for help. And we turn to Checkmate Public Affairs.

Andre DuToitSATIB Insurance Brokers, South Africa

Jeff is a FANTASTIC speaker! He grabs attention and really makes you think. I'd highly recommend him for your organization.

Russell BoonAustralian Red Cross Blood Services, Melbourne

Jeff Chatterton

Founder, Checkmate Public Affairs

Co-author, "Leaders Under Fire"
200+ keynotes worldwide
100+ media appearances as crisis expert
Clients across six continents
Travel, tourism & hospitality specialist
Based in Ontario, Canada

In Jeff's Words

I was 26 years old when I learned what crisis really means. Walkerton, Ontario. May 2000. Over 2,200 people got sick. 21 died. From drinking tap water. I was there, working for the Ontario Minister of Environment, watching it unfold.

What I saw changed everything I thought I knew about communications. Facts don't calm fears — empathy does. Speed matters more than perfection. The leaders who showed up survived. The ones who hid didn't.

Since then, I've spent my career helping leaders face the room — from fatal incidents to data breaches, from executive scandals to regulatory confrontations. Across six continents, in boardrooms and on camera, at 3am and on Christmas Day.

I work with leaders who are willing to tell the truth. That's my one requirement. If you're looking for someone to help you spin a story, I'm not your person. If you want someone who'll help you take control of a difficult situation with honesty, speed, and strategy — let's talk.

Book a Call with Jeff →

Leaders Under Fire

The CEO's Survival Guide to Navigating Corporate Crisis. The playbook for executives who want to be prepared before the crisis hits — co-authored from decades of real-world experience protecting leaders through the situations that define or destroy careers.

"This book is required reading for all CEO's. It may very well save your reputation and your job one day."
— Peter Evans, CEO and Founder, ExpertFile

Get the Book on Amazon →

Get in Touch

Let's have a confidential conversation.

Whether you're in the middle of a crisis right now or you want to make sure you're protected before one hits — the first conversation is always free and always confidential.

Book a Call

info@checkmatepublicaffairs.com

Phone

+1 519 513 1053

Jeff Chatterton