Join us for this episode of REWIRE as we sit down with Neal Cummins, Head of Communications at Sky Ireland.

Neal shares his fascinating career journey, bringing a wealth of experience from both agency and in-house roles. He delves into the intricacies of managing communications for a major brand, discussing the importance of understanding media dynamics, the role of effective internal communications, and the challenges of balancing proactive strategies with reactive crisis management.

We explored the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and the future role of AI in enhancing efficiency and creativity. Neal also offered his invaluable advice on building a successful career in communications.

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In our first live recording of the REWIRE podcast, we sit down with Aimen Dean, a distinguished security and counter-terrorism advisor and former MI6 spy. Aimen played a pivotal role in the global campaign against terrorism for the British Secret Intelligence Service, gathering critical intelligence on al-Qaeda and other extremist groups. Post-MI6, he has consulted for HSBC and numerous other major private and public entities, offering expert guidance on international security and counter-terrorism.

Aimen's profound insights provide a deep understanding of geopolitical risks and their implications for international business. In this compelling conversation, we delve into the unique security challenges businesses face in the Middle East and how to navigate them. We explore the evolving landscape of terrorism, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorism finance, as well as the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, including significant reforms in Saudi Arabia over the past decade.

Drawing from his extensive experience in intelligence and security, Aimen offers a unique vantage point for navigating complex regulatory environments, developing robust risk management frameworks, and understanding the impact of global security trends on business operations. He emphasises the importance of logical, dispassionate conflict resolution and its far-reaching implications for global security and business resilience.

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In this episode of REWIRE, we sit down with James Barge, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Asda, and delve in to the multifaceted role he plays at Asda. From managing a diverse range of issues - be that staff relations and community engagement to government interactions and media relations - James offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to steer a major retail giant through both everyday challenges and transformative changes.

James shares his insights on Asda's ongoing transformation journey, which includes doubling their store estate, integrating new IT systems, and expanding into new retail formats. He also discusses the importance of balancing proactive strategies with reactive crisis management, especially in a business as dynamic and complex as Asda.

We explore the evolving role of corporate communications, the impact of political changes, and the increasing importance of ESG initiatives. James also reflects on his varied career path, which spans politics, agency work, and in-house roles, and offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the field of communications.

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In this compelling episode, we welcome Paul Osgood, former Global Head of Internal Communications, for an insightful conversation with our Corporate Director, Sinead Bell. With a career spanning from the 1980's to recent roles at global giants like Philips and Clifford Chance, Paul brings a treasure trove of experience and insights to the table.

Gain an insider's perspective on Paul's pivotal involvement in BG Group's integration into Shell, and the innovative strategies he employed to manage this monumental change. His understanding of leadership buy-in and values-driven leadership during times of change helped to ensure employees felt guided and supported throughout the process.

Paul also shares his unique "Have I Got a Job" curve and other groundbreaking approaches to managing change, including creative ways to help employees find closure during transitions.

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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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