In the newly-created Deputy Managing Director role, strategic communications campaigns specialist Laura Gabb will draw on more than a decade’s experience across public affairs and marketing communications – working with the agency’s 60-strong team to drive campaigns that secure policy outcomes and strengthen corporate reputations.

Laura joins us from corporate affairs consultancy, 5654 & Company, where she advised clients including Microsoft, Drax, HCA Healthcare UK, and the Association of British Insurers on their policy and public affairs strategies – before which, she spent more than a decade working in and building fast-growing marketing communications teams at leading communications agencies including BCW, Stonehaven and Portland, advising companies such as EDF, Heathrow, INEOS, Rail Delivery Group, and ScottishPower

In addition, she played a leading role in the Conservative Party’s digital team during the successful 2019 General Election, and previously worked in the party’s press office.

She is also a member of the Women in Public Affairs Advisory Committee.

As part of the move, she will broaden our existing integrated campaigning capabilities – which have recently seen WA advise RWE on strategic communications around energy independence, affordability and Net Zero; deliver digital campaigns for Sanofi to showcase the pharma giant’s sustainability strategy; and work with ATM-provider NoteMachine to ensure that access to cash is enshrined in legislation.

Over the next year, we plan to significantly expand our corporate marketing communications capabilities, hiring a number of specialists as part of a broader investment in through-the-line capabilities.

Laura’s appointment is the latest in a series of senior hires – including Cicero MD Tom Frackowiak, who joined in September to head the agency’s Financial Services practice; former Times Transport Correspondent Philip Pank moving to the agency in August; and the appointment of Whitehall Permanent Secretary Sir Philip Rutnam, as Chair of the firm’s Advisory Board in July.

Commenting on her appointment, Laura Gabb, Deputy Managing Director, WA, said:

“WA’s strategic communications work – where government action, media interest, and public impact interlink – makes it vital to adopt a through-the-line approach to corporate affairs campaigns.

In complex, multi-stakeholder environments, policy outcomes are secured and corporate reputations are shaped by communicating with every relevant audience, and maximising the number of channels and touchpoints to make your case.

WA have a strong pedigree of delivering strategic communications campaigns that both achieve client goals and create positive societal impact, and I’m delighted to be able to further broaden and develop this offer.”

Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA, added:

“I’m delighted to welcome Laura to WA.

From helping tech firms understand the implications of the new Online Safety Bill, communicating the societal impact of the financial services sector, or making the case for carbon capture storage and nuclear power, and advising the rail industry on the future of the network, Laura has led on some of the UK’s most high-profile corporate campaigns.

Her cross-disciplinary public affairs and marketing communications expertise reflects WA’s integrated approach – drawing together, and building on each – and will be invaluable to our clients and team, as we pursue our ambition of becoming the UK’s leading independent strategic communications agency.”