Head of Media Relations

Compass Carter Osborne was appointed to source a Head of Media and External Relations for Priory Group to lead the press office function by providing strategic counsel on reputational risk and media management. 

The highly specialist and sensitive nature of the role meant that extensive public sector knowledge around legislative and regulatory changes as well as emerging medial issues were essential to ensure appropriate responses were being issued.  

  Reason and Purpose: 

The newly created Head of Media and External Relations role was established after the current postholder stepped down after 8 years and updated accordingly to reflect the priorities of the organization.  

The Head of Media and External Relations sits within the marketing and communications department and plays a key role in developing and implementing external relations initiatives with journalists, news desks, photographers, and documentary makers. In addition, the key aspect of the role is to increase the organisation’s voice and influence by identifying key issues affecting the sector and develop fact-based narratives to raise Priory’s profile nationally.  

Search Process / Methodology: 

Compass Executives undertook a thorough research process. In addition to our established networked, we worked to identify media and communication specialist within the healthcare sector, looking at the NHS as well as the private market.  

The timeline from briefing through to client interviews took 10 weeks.   

Gender breakdown: 29% male 71% female 

Diversity breakdown: 11% diverse 11% unknown 78% non-diverse 

Outcome: