University of Surrey director of communications and marketing
How I make it work: By keeping my horses at my supergroom’s base and having lots of help from her
The media professional has had an extraordinary corporate career, which includes once being the Prime Minister’s deputy official spokesperson, while in her spare time she likes nothing better than heading out on horses Possum and Tia.
My job…
I’m director of communications and marketing at the University of Surrey. I manage a team of 70 and cover everything from student recruitment marketing to media relations, graduation events and parliamentary affairs, as well as crisis management and brand development. It’s a fascinating role. Universities are such lively, interesting environments, home to amazing research, vibrant student communities and professional academics with incredible expertise.
Beyond my professional career, I am Honorary Squadron Colonel of the Inns of Court & City Yeomanry, which is a reserve unit of the British Army. It is the second oldest unit in London, and one of the only ones that has a mounted role. It’s a voluntary role that you have to be put forward for, but I was selected as I’ve supported the squadron for a number of years. I’m also chair of its trustees, and I edit its magazine — all of which keeps me pretty busy.
How I got here…
I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I left university. For a while I ran a magazine from my bedroom. It was a guide to Mid Wales, and I sold advertising to make it work. When the recession hit, I applied for a job in government communications. I worked my way up to become head of news at 10 Downing Street under Gordon Brown, and then David Cameron. I ran the press office and was deputy official spokesperson for the Prime Minister. It was exciting, but stressful and very much a 24/7 role. Since then I’ve worked across other government departments as well as in the charity and corporate sectors. Now I love being in higher education.
My horses…
I have had Possum for about five years. He’s a 12-year-old, 16.1hh, bay, Irish Sport Horse who is very handsome and a real character. I bought him to be an eventer and he has all the scope, but he just can’t be bothered, and so we do hunter trials and fun rides. At the weekends my favourite thing is ride him to a cafe and have a cup of coffee. He loves all the fuss and compliments he gets.
About two years ago I purchased Tia. She’s a 16.2hh, 16-year-old, grey mare. I took her on from a l
