Ready to get noticed?
Turn to Paragon when you want to flex your brand muscle.
About Paragon
Our international team of full-time communications professionals helps financial, fintech, crypto, emerging technology, and other forward-looking firms become recognized leaders.
Paragon is a high-impact agency with decades of top-level industry experience. We build reputations that drive business results, ensuring that you are heard, understood, and respected. Formed in 2012, we deliver a full suite of strategic communications, including public relations, digital marketing and content/editorial services.
Established after the financial crisis to meet the needs of an emerging group of financial technology companies, we’ve expanded to provide support for a wide range of industry leaders. Throughout this period, our approach has remained consistent, taking a messaging-led route to building strong, sustainable and results-focused brands.
Your Partners are now our partners
Paragon is pleased to partner with Your Partners to accelerate growth for digital asset firms througha wider range of business and marketing services. Learn more.
Dedicated people doing great work
Our team’s diverse experiences and capabilities provide the right expertise to meet every client’s needs. But we never stand still, and our passion to deliver results shines through in everything we do.
We pride ourselves on our long-term relationships that are based on trust and our ability to evolve with our clients’ businesses. After all, your success is our success.
Simon Hylson-Smith
Founder & CEO
Simon loves solving puzzles on behalf of Paragon's clients, delivering content-based solutions that help drive real business results. As a former reporter and editor, he knows what it takes to capture stories that resonate with top-tier media, and also enjoys writing! Outside of work, Simon enjoys hiking through the Colorado mountains with his wife and three dogs.
MICHELLE ELISEO
Managing Director
Integrity, passion and creativity are some of Michelle’s hallmarks. These come into play whether she is driving brand strategy and building engaging marketing touchpoints for Paragon’s clients, or perhaps trying something new in the kitchen, exploring museums and planning the next family road trip.
COLLEEN HYLSON-SMITH
Director
Colleen is at the heart of Paragon, ensuring that Operations and Human Resource run smoothly. With her business background, she understands what matters most and how firms can get the best out of their talent. When she's not at Paragon, you'll find her at the gym, doing yoga, or at home playing with her rescue dogs.
MELISSA EVEN
EVP, Marketing
Core to our clients’ marketing initiatives, Melissa focuses on branding, messaging and positioning, collateral creation, event coordination and all things digital. Central to the company’s internal growth and business development, her enthusiasm drives the team to seek creative angles for our clients. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, traveling and snowboarding.
Virun Rampersad
Executive Coach
Virun is passionate about helping people and teams succeed. It was core to his success as a senior Wall Street executive and underpins his work today as an Executive and Team Coach. He is skilled at helping technology and business executives solve problems and improve their sales and leadership skills so they move faster and deliver better results. Outside of work, Virun enjoys time at the beaches in New York, New England and Florida.
Tom Murphy
VP, Media Relations
Tom Murphy brings over ten years of experience in journalism to Paragon’s media relations team. Tom worked as a local news anchor, reporter and producer in Michigan, California, and New Jersey before transitioning into the public relations industry. Tom is excited to bring his PR experience, which includes representing clients in financial services, financial technology, crypto and other emerging technologies.
MATT AUSTIN
Account Director
Matt got his break in communications as an advertising copywriter in Hong Kong before moving back to London (via Montreal) to build a career in PR and marketing, primarily in financial services. Outside of work, he has combined his obsession with language learning and passion for horse-riding to go off the beaten track in locations as diverse as Kyrgyzstan and Iceland.
MATTHEW BIRD
Account Manager
Matt has recently graduated with a BSc in Economics and Management Studies. He is keen to learn all about the fintech industry and the different strategic approaches to marketing. Outside of work, Matt likes to play sports – particularly football (soccer) and (field) hockey – and watch the Premier League with friends and family.
Kendall Lewczak
Communications Manager
With experience in public relations, marketing, and media, Kendall enjoys approaching challenges with a strategic lens. From crafting narratives to enhancing brand reputation, there’s always an opportunity for creative communication. Outside of work, Kendall is a competitive Irish dancer and enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Ben Webb
Chief Blogger
Ben is an award-winning journalist who started writing for newspapers when the clatter of typewriters filled the newsroom. Today he loves telling unique and compelling stories for corporate clients. Away from work he likes films, wildlife and running... to earn the odd pint of real ale.
Anthony Battrick
Brand Strategist
Tony is a hugely experienced and collaborative strategist who combines rigor with flair. His skills have been honed during a career at some of London's top advertising agencies. Tony has created brand strategies and award-winning communications campaigns across a host of categories, from IT to automotive, FMCG to finance, and leisure to Government. A highly trusted partner to B2B clients as well as B2C (both international and UK), Tony applies the same high standards of strategic insight and creativity to both. He is also an expert qualitative researcher.
Graham Pugh
Brand Strategist
Graham spent most of his long career in advertising, first as an award winning copywriter and then as a highly successful Creative Director. He worked at agencies such as Saatchi & Saatchi, FCB and McCann, before running creative functions on the client side and consulting for major brands. He brings a wealth of financial services experience with clients and specializes in getting under the skin of brands and bringing them to life in an original and distinctive way.
Angie Rodriguez
Marketing Manager
Crisanyelis (Angie) Rodriguez is a proud first-generation Latina with experience in content marketing and project management. She has successfully led multiple campaigns, leveraging her expertise to drive engagement and brand growth. Passionate about giving back, Angie actively contributes to her community, striving to be a role model for minorities. Outside of work, she is devoted to her family and daughter, prioritizing a fulfilling and balanced life.
Joni Medzadourian
Marketing Manager
Joni is a dedicated marketing professional known for her creativity, reliability, and passion for transforming brands through impactful visuals and innovative strategies. With expertise in social media, digital marketing, and more, she excels at crafting impactful campaigns that drive results. Outside of work, you can find Joni choreographing competitive dance routines across NY & NJ, attending concerts, and cheering for the U.S. Women’s soccer team.
Savannah Stewart
Marketing Associate
Savannah is an undergraduate student at Fordham University studying global business. She is excited for the opportunity to explore the marketing and media realm first-hand through the use of new mediums, and she is looking forward to learning new communication skills from professionals in the industry.
Ramasamy CT
Designer
With a flair for inviting design, Ramasamy CT is the creative force behind Paragon's visual storytelling. His expertise in fintech and emerging tech markets transforms complex concepts into compelling, accessible visuals. His designs not only captivate but also drive meaningful engagement and business results. His work embodies Paragon's commitment to excellence and client success.
Sign up for our newsletter
Join our mailing list to receive insightful and informative updates
