In this episode of REWIRE, we sit down with Director of Global Corporate Communications at Merlin Entertainments, Chloe Couchman to discuss what it’s like to manage corporate communications for one of the world’s leading entertainment companies.

With 140 attractions worldwide and a mission to be the greatest place to work and play, Chloe shares the highs and lows of her role, from storytelling for 30,000 employees to handling crises with a human touch.

Discover how Merlin Entertainments navigated the challenges of COVID-19, the importance of internal comms, and the creative campaigns that keep the magic alive.

Chloe also opens up about the emotional connections they foster with guests and the resilience needed to manage crises in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

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Paul Wheeler, Corporate Communications Director for the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia & Eastern Europe at Kellanova joins our Managing Director, Global Business Development, Alex Davies, in this episode of REWIRE, to discuss the strategic challenges involved in rebranding, crisis management and the development of a new company culture.

Paul shares his journey from his early days in PR through to his current role at Kellanova, the new entity formed from the restructure of Kellogg's. With a focus on snacks like Pringles and Cheez-It, Kellanova represents 80% of the old Kellogg's brand and faces the unique challenge of balancing its impressive heritage with the need to establish a fresh corporate identity.

The conversation also delves into the nuances of issue management within the food sector, such as sugar content debates, and the importance of brand reputation as an asset rather than a vulnerability. Paul shares how standing up for corporate beliefs, in his experience, can positively impact a brand’s reputation.

He also discusses the role of purpose in modern branding, and stresses the importance of authenticity and relevance to a brand’s space as being crucial for a successful corporate initiative.

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In this episode, join our host, Gary Cleland, as he sits down with Laura Brander, Vice President of Communications at Virgin Atlantic. With over five and a half years at the helm of the airline's communication strategy, Laura shares an inside look into the multifaceted role that spans corporate narrative, crisis management, brand PR, and internal engagement.

She recounts the rollercoaster journey from launching the first flight across the Atlantic on 100% sustainable aviation fuel to navigating the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, including having to join forces with competitors to lobby to open skies. Laura offers a candid reflection on the resilience and transformative efforts that kept Virgin Atlantic soaring through adversity. She also sheds light on the power of purpose-driven campaigns, the importance of internal communication, and the role of creativity in the corporate world.

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In this deep-dive episode of "Communicating Impact: The power of television” we sit down with Laura Wootton, Head of Corporate Communications (Commercial) at ITV, to explore the intricate world of corporate communications in the dynamic media and entertainment landscape. Laura unveils the layers of strategy that define the media giant’s approach to public relations, commercial partnerships, and brand storytelling. 

With a career that has touched every corner of the communications sphere – from the adrenaline rush of program publicity to the fine-tuned nuances of investor relations – Laura brings a wealth of experience and a treasure trove of industry anecdotes. She shares her journey through the high-stakes environment of ITV’s media and entertainment division.

Listen as we explore the evolution of media consumption, the rise of product placement, and the role of television in a rapidly changing digital world. Laura reflects on the power of TV to not only entertain but to incite change, shape public opinion, and offer a platform for meaningful social discourse. She also shares her insights on the challenges of maintaining brand integrity and trust in an age of fragmented media consumption and the critical importance of internal communications within a sprawling organisation like ITV.

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Join our host Gary Cleland, Group Managing Director, in this REWIRE episode for a compelling conversation with Miles Evans, the Head of Public Affairs at Openreach. 

With a diverse career spanning roles in Westminster, Thames Water, and now Openreach, Miles shares his journey through the world of communications and public affairs.

Get insights from Miles on how he navigated the complex challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects, the evolution of crisis communications, and the importance of building trust with stakeholders and the public. He shares his thoughts on the shifting landscape of corporate affairs, the increasing value of transparency, and the role of strategic communication in business and government relations.

As Miles reflects on his personal and professional growth and the industry's transformation, he also delves into Openreach's future strategies to tackle imminent obstacles like inflation and political change. 

This in-depth discussion covers the intersection of communications, trust, and the resilience required to manage the dynamic corporate affairs landscape.

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In this compelling episode, our Group Managing Director Gary Cleland sits down with Jane McIntosh, Head of Public Affairs at Trustpilot. Jane offers a deep dive into the critical role of Public Affairs within the organisation and its impact on policy-making, and explores the multifaceted nature of communications in a company that operates on the currency of trust.

Discover how Trustpilot's vision to create an independent currency of trust is not only integral to their operations but also central to their communications strategy. We discuss the proactive and reactive elements of engaging with policymakers, regulators, and civil servants, and how the company navigates the complexities of political change and technological advancements like AI.

This episode also delves into the challenges of misinformation and disinformation and their effects on consumer trust. Jane shares some of the proactive measures that Trustpilot is taking, including their AI-driven technology and dedicated fraud investigation teams, to combat fake reviews and uphold the integrity of their platform.

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In this episode, our Group Managing Director, Gary Cleland, sits down with Scott Colvin, Group Director of Public Affairs at Aviva. With a career spanning over 25 years in Westminster before transitioning into the corporate realm, Scott brings a wealth of experience in both consultancies and in-house roles.

The landscape of political communications may not have undergone radical transformations in the past couple of decades, but its importance has surged significantly in the last 10 years. The revolution lies in how information is consumed today, with new channels emerging and crises sparking more frequently.

Scott offers his insights on the looming challenges ahead, pinpointing the erosion of trust as a critical concern. The decline in trust in public institutions and the media, amplified by technological changes and AI enabling the creation of misleading communications, necessitates businesses to gear up for a world rife with misinformation.

To combat trust issues and misinformation, Scott proposes the establishment of an internal group within firms. This group would oversee the firm's conduct and ensure alignment between its internal and external operations - upholding promises and accountability. Whether you're a consultancy or in-house, this approach can significantly address the trust deficit. Tune in to the episode for more of Scott's expert insights.

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In this engaging episode, esteemed journalist, author, and consultant Eleanor Ross joins our Group Managing Director, Gary Cleland, for a thought-provoking discussion on sustainability and the growing influence of corporate entities on public opinion.

As public trust in media dwindles, the corporate sphere is presented with a unique opportunity to reshape public perception and behaviour towards climate change. Eleanor posits that organisations can utilise their public trust to champion climate justice, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst the crisis. She emphasises the need for a long-term outlook over short-term gains in the fight against climate change.

Eleanor underlines the importance of tone and creativity in shaping our understanding of the climate crisis, suggesting that they can be powerful tools to shift the narrative. However, she cautions that these elements must be rooted in empirical data and facts.

She further stresses the necessity for organisations to present a unified front and have a confident spokesperson to prevent sustainability campaigns from falling flat. Consistency in both internal and external messaging is crucial to establishing and maintaining public trust.

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