Change of Prime Minister's spokesman
Downing Street today announced that Simon Lewis, currently Director of Communications at No10 and the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman, has been appointed Strategic Communications Advisor to UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) the Government organisation responsible for marketing the UK internationally, promoting British exports and attracting inward investment.
Downing Street today announced that Simon Lewis, currently Director of Communications at No10 and the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman, has been appointed Strategic Communications Advisor to UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) the Government organisation responsible for marketing the UK internationally, promoting British exports and attracting inward investment. In this role, which he will take up with immediate effect, he will report to the Chief Executive Sir Andrew Cahn and will advise Sir Andrew and the UKTI Board on its marketing and communications strategy following the General Election.
Initially, he will review the UKTI’s digital communications strategy, advise on the role and responsibilities of its communications function and, working with the FCO, look at how the UK’s international business reputation can be enhanced.
Commenting, Simon Lewis said
“It has been an enormous privilege to work in No10 over the last year and to have served as the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman. I have also very much enjoyed the managerial challenge of running the wider communications activities in No10. In my new role I am delighted to be working with Andrew Cahn at such an important time for the UK’s profile in the international business community.”
Sir Andrew Cahn commented
“I am delighted that Simon is joining UKTI at this critical moment. I look forward to working with him particularly as his experience bridges the worlds of business and the Government, as does UKTI. I am sure he will help us build our service to business customers and help shape the UK’s reputation internationally.”
Sir Gus O’Donnell, Cabinet Secretary, said
“I would like to thank Simon for all he has done in one of the most difficult and challenging jobs in Government over the last year, and for his contribution as a senior civil servant in No10. I am delighted that he will be joining UKTI in such an important role and at a vital time for the UK’s reputation internationally. I know that he will be able to draw on his deep commercial and communications experience at UKTI.”
In the interim, Steve Field, currently Director of Communications at HM Treasury, will be the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman. Previously he was Head of the Treasury’s European Economic Reform Team.