Weber Shandwick appoints Joey Jones as head of public affairs
Pictured left: Joey Jones
Joey Jones, the former Sky political journalist and media adviser to Theresa May when Home Secretary, is the new head of public affairs at Weber Shandwick.
Jones replaces David Skelton, who joined Google earlier this year, and will lead the development of Weber Shandwick’s public affairs offer as the UK prepares for Brexit and Theresa May’s new Cabinet implements a wide-range of reforms across public services and the economy.
Jon McLeod, chairman of corporate, financial and public affairs at Weber Shandwick, said: “Joey’s track record in politics and the media is impressive. He brings precisely the mix of skills that Weber Shandwick is renowned for, as political communications embrace the multi-channel age.
“His understanding of the new political environment, together with his acuity in real-time written and broadcast communications will consolidate our position at the cutting edge of public affairs practice.”
Jones added: “With its reputation with award-winning engagement campaigns, Weber Shandwick was the obvious choice for me. Politics has changed dramatically in 2016, with new people at the top with new agendas, and I look forward to providing my own perspective on those changes.
“My main focus will be working to develop Weber Shandwick’s public affairs offer as part of the company’s national and international network of integrated communications services.”
The bulk of Jones career was spent at Sky News. He left journalism following the 2015 election and in May 2016 was appointed as spokesperson to the then Home Secretary, Theresa May.
At Sky, in the run-up to the 2015 election, he oversaw Sky News’ coverage of marginal constituencies, “In the Margins”. He joined the broadcaster as a freelance reporter in 1999. Having joined the Westminster team in 2006, he soon became a respected correspondent, and was appointed deputy political editor in 2010.
