The new chief executive of CT Group, the firm long known for its political dark arts, says politics is now “a smaller part” of its business as it moves to take advantage of the burgeoning corporate demand for specialised advice and intelligence.

Jon de Jager, a UK-based former EY partner, takes the reins of the firm, previously known as Crosby Textor, after co-founder Sir Lynton Crosby stepped down earlier this month after 22 years in charge.