Name: David Hughes

Position: Public Affairs Consultant

David Hughes has spent more than 20 years in public affairs and corporate communications consultancy, including periods heading up some of the UK’s major practices in these areas.

During this time he has advised a wide range of organisations including major multinationals such as Toyota, Unilever and the Body Shop; trade associations in the energy, construction and drinks industries; public bodies including the Crown Estate, the Commission for Racial Equality and the British Greyhound Racing Board; and a number of other well-known organisations such as Granada Television, Cambridge University, the Digital Television Association, the RSPCA and the Royal Albert Hall.

He has particular experience of the financial services sector having provided counsel to the London Stock Exchange, Goldman Sachs and the Securities and Futures Authority, one of the precursors of the Financial Services Authority. He also worked within a bespoke team assembled to assist Equitable Life at the height of its public controversy.

He has achieved a number of notable public affairs successes in both London and Brussels, and has also worked under contract managing complex communications agendas with several governmental bodies, including the European Commission and the erstwhile Department of Trade and Industry.

During 2007 he acted as both a media spokesman and public affairs adviser to the ‘Find Madeleine McCann campaign’, and helped a major multinational company achieve the release of senior executives falsely imprisoned in West Africa.

He maintains a wide range of contacts across the political spectrum, and is an experienced broadcaster and parliamentary candidate. He is a member of the International Association of Political Consultants, the Hansard Society for Parliamentary Government and the Institute of Directors.

David Hughes has had extensive experience of dealing with DCMS on behalf of a range of organisations, including:

• Media: Granada Television, The Radio Independents Group, Digital Television Group, Pace Micro Technology
• Heritage: The Crown Estate, Royal Albert Hall, The Greek Ministry of Culture
• Leisure: The British Greyhound Racing Board, Sun International, The Scottish Sports Council