University of Surrey hires new Director of Communications and PR from the Environment Agency

Society were engaged with the University of Surrey to help hire a senior communications specialist for their Director position, reporting to the Vice-President for Marketing and Communications.

The University of Surrey is an international University with a worldwide reputation for excellence in teaching and research. They have a strong academic and professional culture with a vibrant and outgoing Marketing and Communications platform. This position is responsible for developing and managing the University’s external and internal communications strategy and its activity in a manner that enhances, protects and maintains its reputation. This includes media relations, public engagement, events, public affairs, crisis communications management and internal and external relations activity. This activity is increasingly international as the University seeks to expand its presence globally.

Our search was global in scope, covering higher education, central and local government bodies and agencies, healthcare organisations, not-for-profits and specific areas of the private sector. The final candidate list included individuals from major NHS trusts, government agencies, local government, learned societies and a range of leading global universities.

Lisa White was appointed to the post of Director of Communications and PR from the Environment Agency where she had been Deputy Director of Media and Corporate Communications. Lisa has a wide-ranging background including working for the Learning Skills Council, the then Department for Communities and Local Government and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.