CrossCultures Consulting specializes in North America-Mexico relationship building

Mexico is a challenging place to do business, with many pitfalls. Key decision-makers in government and the private sector pass judgment and make major decisions based on available information, which is more often than not extremely limited and inaccurate. To overcome that get your point across early. You need to be connected before a crisis occurs. Corporate communications and government relations is a full-time business for a foreign company here. You deserve a communications company that understands the challenges and the opportunities of doing business in Mexico. We’ve been that ¨friend¨ to many US and Canadian companies opening offices here or expanding. Let us help you position your company with the right people in the right sector.

Services

BI

Business Intelligence
CC

Corporate Communications
PA

Public Affairs

Business Intelligence

The López-Obrador administration and impact of COVID-19 have greatly altered industry landscapes and outlooks. There is business to be done, but key information can make the difference between success and failure. Risk management is at the forefront of our activities.

We offer:

Due diligence: research potential associates and industries thoroughly before making key strategic decisions.

Industry assessments/ presentations: whether it be mining, hydrocarbons, electricity generation from oil and gas or renewables such as geothermal, solar or eolic sources, we give you an insider’s view of business and political landscapes.

SWOT analysis: breakdown your strengths and weaknesses as well as those of your industry and region as a whole.

White Papers: detailed industry and regional research in a readable format with executive summaries.

Corporate Communications

Traditional and social media can be important allies for your business, as well as sounding boards for government policy and competing firms.

We offer:

Messaging: create narratives to develop, protect and improve your reputation

Media contact: mapping and outreach of key media

Content: op-eds, press releases for traditional and social media

Web design and content updates

Crisis communication: develop a crisis plan that includes a decision process and information flow for fast, thoughtful responses.

Community management of social media: develop a consistent, congruent social media strategy that is feasible and targeted to align company goals with key audiences.

Corporate social responsibility: develop a strategy with measurable, high-impact goals that exemplify how your corporate values are aligned with community goals and projects. Make sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) mainstays of your business strategy and communicate them effectively internally and to key stakeholders.

Public Affairs

Understanding the scope and goals of the Lopéz Obrador administration, as well as aligning your corporate goals with those of state and local officials and community leaders is key to success in Mexico today.
We offer:

Government relations

Outreach and lobbying with federal industry ministries

Outreach and lobbying with state and local authorities

Community relations

Town hall meetings

Lobbying with local community leaders regarding social and environmental impacts

Outreach and lobbying with private Mexican industry

Management

Thomas Eckert, B.A., M.A. Comms.

Thomas Eckert brings thirty years of experience working for Canadian and U.S. companies throughout Mexico and South America, specializing in business development, government relations, and corporate affairs. Beginning as a television producer for international networks, Mr. Eckert developed robust investigative and negotiation capabilities that have served him throughout his professional trajectory. His expertise includes effective engagement with government entities and NGOs, and a proven track record of accessing and negotiating with key decision-makers and managing complex situations. Mr. Eckert is adept at maintaining a strong rapport with local communities. He has established an extensive network of contacts across the private sector and governmental spheres, consistently demonstrating the ability to identify and develop market opportunities. Mr. Eckert is known for his collaborative approach and results-driven mindset.

Steve Virtue, B.A., M.A. Ed.

Steve Virtue is a Communications and Government Relations leader in the mining industry. He has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to CEO’s, Boards and elected officials on reputation management, stakeholder engagement and political risk. Having spent the past 15 years working in the mining sector, he has helped improve outcomes for some of the largest brands in mining. He is relied on as a pragmatic, strategic thinker who has helped launch brands, deliver growth and build profile with key stakeholders including government, communities, media and investors. Steve has been a featured speaker on political risk, public affairs and communications with the Fraser Institute, University of Toronto (OISE), York University and the PDAC Convention.

Xavier Sorondo

Xavier Sorondo is a seasoned Corporate Communications and PR expert based in Mexico City with over 30 years of experience across hospitality & travel, automotive, financial services, luxury real estate, and oil & gas. Known for his strategic storytelling and results-driven approach, Xavier helps brands build strong reputations and gain high-impact visibility. He maintains a robust network of top-tier media professionals, journalists, and business content creators. Fully bilingual in Spanish and English, with working knowledge of French, he excels at leading communications in both local and international arenas.

Recent Activities

CRITICAL RESOURCE
Critical Resource requested CrossCultures founder, Thomas Eckert, to become their Energy and Political Sr. Advisor for Mining and Energy Affairs in 2018. Mr. Eckert has given in-depth and intelligent country assessments on federal government policy in the Energy and Mining sectors and has provided business intelligence for clients like BHP, Total of France and Petronas of Indonesia, who have a presence in Mexico and have requested independent opinions on the political or economic status of the country. This is an ongoing relationship CCC finds mutually rewarding. C.R.´s clients are all over the globe and ever since 2014 when Mexico´s Oil and Gas sector opened up to public and foreign investment there has been a natural fit between the two companies and the services they offer.