WA Communications expands its Public Affairs arm with new director hire

Leading public affairs and corporate communications consultancy WA Communications has appointed a new Director, Naomi Harris, former Chief Operating Officer at Newington Communications, to support its continued growth of expertise.

Naomi brings a love of policy, campaigning and team building to WA Communications, and will be working alongside fellow Director, Marc Woolfson, to drive forward the expansion of the consultancy’s public affairs offer and client portfolio.

A trained journalist, Naomi began her lobbying career at the CBI, first in London and then Brussels, before moving into consultancy. She joined Newington, then Bellenden, in 2012 to build the agency’s award-winning energy practice.

Following Nikki Da Costa’s departure in 2015, Naomi took on the role of Managing Director of the National Public Affairs division. Following a period of sustained divisional growth, she was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2017 and left at the end of 2018 to go travelling.

At WA Communications, Naomi will be focusing on developing the consultancy’s footprint in specialisms including energy, transport and tech; education, health and social care. She will be working closely with the Directors of Investor Services and Corporate Communications to ensure the consultancy’s offer is tailored to the evolving needs of clients.

Naomi Harris, Director at WA Communications, says:

“I’ve seen how key sectors – such as the energy and transport – have come under increasing public scrutiny. Just look at how the average person is now far more aware of climate change and how more people than ever are actively involved in campaigning – whether that’s through changes in buying habits, community transport initiatives to improve air quality, social media, or participating in Extinction Rebellion protests.

“This growth in public awareness, understanding and activism is not specific to climate change. All businesses must be aware of these shifts in opinion, as well as clearly communicate their views to the public. My role at WA will build upon the agency’s sterling reputation in public affairs and ensure we are best placed to respond to the changing landscape of policy, politics and communications for the benefit of our clients.”

Dominic Church, Managing Director at WA Communications, says:

“A fundamental part of agency growth is ensuring we are able to offer a comprehensive service to our clients. As issues surrounding sectors such as energy, the environment and transport continue to grow in importance, we want to make sure we’re at the front of these developments.

“Ensuring that our clients continue to receive high quality policy guidance, with a modern-day perspective in mind is integral to our service offering. It is fantastic to have Naomi join our team, allowing us to continue pioneering effective ways of working, supporting our continued agency expansion and innovating practices.”