I'm James George Walter, a hard-working, results-driven PR and communications professional with over 15 years’ experience in managing and implementing multi-sector B2B and B2C PR campaigns across London and Edinburgh, working both agency-side and client-side. In 2008 I founded Candid Media, a PR consultancy based in Edinburgh, to help Scottish SMEs and start-ups raise awareness and achieve growth. I specialise in PR strategy, planning, media relations, reputation management and external communications, and I’ve built networks across charities, renewable energy, hotels and hospitality, travel and tourism, training and education, recruitment, and rural industries. I’m passionate about delivering measurable results through strategic partnerships, thoughtful messaging, and engaging creative campaigns.

James George Walter

I'm James George Walter, a hard-working, results-driven PR and communications professional with over 15 years’ experience in managing and implementing multi-sector B2B and B2C PR campaigns across London and Edinburgh, working both agency-side and client-side. In 2008 I founded Candid Media, a PR consultancy based in Edinburgh, to help Scottish SMEs and start-ups raise awareness and achieve growth. I specialise in PR strategy, planning, media relations, reputation management and external communications, and I’ve built networks across charities, renewable energy, hotels and hospitality, travel and tourism, training and education, recruitment, and rural industries. I’m passionate about delivering measurable results through strategic partnerships, thoughtful messaging, and engaging creative campaigns.

Available to hire

I’m James George Walter, a hard-working, results-driven PR and communications professional with over 15 years’ experience in managing and implementing multi-sector B2B and B2C PR campaigns across London and Edinburgh, working both agency-side and client-side. In 2008 I founded Candid Media, a PR consultancy based in Edinburgh, to help Scottish SMEs and start-ups raise awareness and achieve growth.

I specialise in PR strategy, planning, media relations, reputation management and external communications, and I’ve built networks across charities, renewable energy, hotels and hospitality, travel and tourism, training and education, recruitment, and rural industries. I’m passionate about delivering measurable results through strategic partnerships, thoughtful messaging, and engaging creative campaigns.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

PR Lead (part-time) at APEX HOTELS (independent hotel group)
October 1, 2022 - October 29, 2025
Head of PR responsible for raising brand profile to maximise direct bookings revenue, managing corporate PR, thought leadership, crisis communications and reputation management. Works with the Group Marketing Director and senior executive team.
Senior Communications Consultant (part-time) at GANNOCHY TRUST (Independent charitable trust)
October 1, 2019 - October 29, 2025
Developed and implemented a 12-month communications strategy and plan; managed communications budget; brand development; stakeholder engagement; digital communications, events management, media relations, crisis communications, social media planning/management, content creation and copy writing.
Founder/Director at CANDID MEDIA
January 1, 2008 - October 29, 2025
Founder of a PR consultancy delivering publicity campaigns for Scottish SMEs and start-ups; managed 50+ clients across sectors; services include PR strategy, planning and consultancy, digital PR, reputation management, thought leadership, social media management, stakeholder engagement, content creation, copywriting and events management.
Senior Communications Consultant at SENVION S.A
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Senior Communications Consultant for Northern European Hub (16 countries); pan-European PR/communications strategies; internal and external communications during re-brand and restructuring; budget management; reported to UK leadership and Hamburg.
Associate Director at NEWGATE COMMUNICATIONS
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2013
Associate Director in Edinburgh; built agency’s presence in Scotland; planned and implemented PR campaigns; developed strategic partnerships; managed SME and corporate clients; client management and delivery.
Account Director at TARTAN SILK PUBLIC RELATIONS
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Managed a team; developed and delivered strategic PR campaigns; media relations; events management; business development and budgeting.
Account Executive at FLAGSHIP GROUP
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004
Supported global B2C and B2B campaigns; contributed to high-profile launches including Heathrow Terminal Five and Discover Devon; built media coverage across major networks.

Education

Diploma European Business Studies and Spanish at University of the West of England
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1998
BA Economic and Social History (2.1) at Bristol University
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1997

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Energy & Utilities, Professional Services