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I am a seasoned PR Consultant with over 20 years of experience in PR, consumer, digital and social media, media relations, corporate and financial communications, and brand management, having worked with many large well-known PLC companies including FTSE 100s. My work spans diverse sectors such as finance, sports, health, and technology. I have a strong record of advising senior leaders, managing budgets up to £3m, mentoring teams, and delivering impactful communication strategies. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to lead crisis management efforts, launch high-profile campaigns, and work closely with media and government stakeholders to build corporate reputations. I enjoy mentoring teams and helping organizations communicate effectively, and I bring a calm, strategic approach to fast-paced and challenging environments.…I am a seasoned PR Consultant with over 20 years of experience in PR, consumer, digital and social media, media relations, corporate and financial communications, and brand management, having worked with many large well-known PLC companies including FTSE 100s. My work spans diverse sectors such as finance, sports, health, and technology. I have a strong record of advising senior leaders, managing budgets up to £3m, mentoring teams, and delivering impactful communication strategies. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to lead crisis management efforts, launch high-profile campaigns, and work closely with media and government stakeholders to build corporate reputations. I enjoy mentoring teams and helping organizations communicate effectively, and I bring a calm, strategic approach to fast-paced and challenging environments.

Sophie Johnston

Copywriter, PR Freelancer, Brand Strategist, +2

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I am a seasoned PR Consultant with over 20 years of experience in PR, consumer, digital and social media, media relations, corporate and financial communications, and brand management, having worked with many large well-known PLC companies including FTSE 100s. My work spans diverse sectors such as finance, sports, health, and technology. I have a strong record of advising senior leaders, managing budgets up to £3m, mentoring teams, and delivering impactful communication strategies. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to lead crisis management efforts, launch high-profile campaigns, and work closely with media and government stakeholders to build corporate reputations. I enjoy mentoring teams and helping organizations communicate effectively, and I bring a calm, strategic approach to fast-paced and challenging environments.…I am a seasoned PR Consultant with over 20 years of experience in PR, consumer, digital and social media, media relations, corporate and financial communications, and brand management, having worked with many large well-known PLC companies including FTSE 100s. My work spans diverse sectors such as finance, sports, health, and technology. I have a strong record of advising senior leaders, managing budgets up to £3m, mentoring teams, and delivering impactful communication strategies. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to lead crisis management efforts, launch high-profile campaigns, and work closely with media and government stakeholders to build corporate reputations. I enjoy mentoring teams and helping organizations communicate effectively, and I bring a calm, strategic approach to fast-paced and challenging environments.

Available to hire

I am a seasoned PR Consultant with over 20 years of experience in PR, consumer, digital and social media, media relations, corporate and financial communications, and brand management, having worked with many large well-known PLC companies including FTSE 100s. My work spans diverse sectors such as finance, sports, health, and technology. I have a strong record of advising senior leaders, managing budgets up to £3m, mentoring teams, and delivering impactful communication strategies.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead crisis management efforts, launch high-profile campaigns, and work closely with media and government stakeholders to build corporate reputations. I enjoy mentoring teams and helping organizations communicate effectively, and I bring a calm, strategic approach to fast-paced and challenging environments.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Language

French

Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance and Contract Consultant at Freelance

June 1, 2011 - June 22, 2024

Acted as a contractor and freelancer advising at C-suite levels with budget responsibilities up to £3m. Managed teams of up to 15 people and handled corporate reputation, brand management, and PR agency coordination. Provided crisis management work for government departments and several notable clients. Delivered strategy and press coverage for clients including launching new products in the business and financial press.

Business Director at Ogilvy

January 1, 2019 - April 30, 2019

Provided strategy and insight on a global project for Inmarsat in several phases, managed media partners, and wrote annual plans integrating marketing, digital, research, and influencer work. Led the Bacardi St Germain summer launch campaign to boost sales and educate the market.

Communications & Implementation Director

April 1, 2018 - October 31, 2018

Provided PR counsel for Essilor (owner of RayBan sunglasses and lenses), Cartime, iwantwallpaper.co.uk, and other interior design clients including launching Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen’s home interiors.

Corporate Communications Director (health led) at Philip Morris International (PMI) / Mission Winnow

October 1, 2017 - March 31, 2018

Managed communications from a corporate perspective for PMI, focusing on major events like Formula 1 and MotoGP for Ferrari and Ducati. Engaged senior journalists, government advisers, and academics to promote PMI’s smoke-free by 2050 vision, handled crisis management, media relations, and senior management briefing with a focus on navigating complex socio-political environments.

Head of Corporate Communications Corporate Strategic Lead at AkzoNobel / Dulux

May 1, 2018 - October 31, 2018

Led PR strategy for the Dulux Colour of the Year 2019 launch winning a CIPR North award. Managed a team delivering extensive national, consumer, regional, and influencer media coverage. Handled media relations, shareholder preparation, and strategy for new store openings and corporate communications.

Senior PR Manager at Prudential UK plc

January 1, 2007 - June 30, 2010

Responsible for PR strategy and execution for Investments and Intermediated distribution divisions worth £3bn. Managed budgets, press releases, journalist meetings, media training, and external PR agencies. Delivered major launches, media trips, and proactive campaigns achieving significant national press coverage and mentored junior staff.

Senior PR Manager at LMUK (Nectar Card)

September 1, 2005 - October 31, 2006

Managed consumer PR programs including a £1 million budget for Nectar. Worked with PR agencies and marketing teams to promote the brand and corporate issues through media including TV, radio, and press. Produced case studies and press releases while supporting advertising campaigns.

Group Communications Manager at Hays plc

May 1, 2004 - October 31, 2004

Managed press office operations, handled crisis communications, coordinated re-brand launch communications, and worked on annual report and accounts communication including CEO statement and media relations.

Marketing Communications Executive at Durlacher Corporation plc

August 1, 2001 - January 31, 2004

Handled sole responsibility for PR at an LSE-listed boutique investment bank. Managed corporate communications, media relations, financial calendar, and senior management liaison. Built and maintained journalist relationships across print, broadcast, and online media.

PR / Marketing Manager at Sports.com Ltd

November 1, 1999 - July 31, 2001

Managed external agencies, implemented PR activities and campaigns, managed B2C and B2B marketing strategies, and promoted celebrities within radio, press, and TV campaigns. Led a project team on personalized wireless content generating new revenue streams.

Education

BSc (Hons) at University of Northumbria, Newcastle Upon Tyne

January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1997

High School Diploma at Ilkeston Grammar School, Derbyshire

January 1, 1986 - December 31, 1993

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Financial Services, Healthcare, Government, Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Non-Profit Organization