Michael Lavery, Director of Communications & Marketing, Durham University
Michael began his career as an advertising consultant in London working across the finance and business sectors before moving back to North East England to work with clients from diverse sectors. Moving across to public relations, his consultancy career continued, working throughout Europe on a high-profile portfolio of blue-chip retail and manufacturing clients as well as public-sector bodies in business, regeneration and healthcare. Appointed as Head of Communications for the £2 billion motor retail group – Reg Vardy PLC – in 2002, Michael took on a broader, corporate communications lead which continued with a move to Durham University in 2005 where he leads an award-winning Communications Office covering strategic marketing, media relations and corporate & public affairs. Michael has developed particular expertise in internal communications, community relations, public affairs and media, and is a member of the CIPR and CIM and a communications lead for CASE Europe. He is a founding director of a not-for-profit social enterprise.