Adam Shaw
Edinburgh
Summary
Experienced communications professional with a proven track record of developing and delivering cohesive, integrated communications strategies in support of business objectives. Brings excellent written and oral communications skills, ability to build relationships, media relations expertise, and strong knowledge of the political and policy landscape to deliver tangible impact by protecting and enhancing reputations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Corporate Communications Manager
Burness Paull LLP
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen
2022.07 - 2026.03
- Leading internal and external communications for Top 100 UK law firm (£100m+ turnover)
- Advising leadership on communications strategy, sensitive change projects and reputation management
- Working closely with leadership, team leads and other functions to develop communications plans that support of business objectives
- Managing 'grid' to ensure joined-up, integrated communications activity across internal, external media, and digital channels
- Acting as main media contact for the firm, building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders and fielding enquiries promptly and professionally
- Researching and drafting materials including internal and external announcements/press releases, speeches, briefing notes, op-eds and thought leadership
- Preparing spokespeople for interviews and speaking engagements to maximise opportunities
- Representing the business with trade bodies, membership organisations and at events to advocate and maintain personal network
- Serving as member of business continuity committee alongside board members and other senior leaders
- Leading on crisis communications and issues management, ensuring any reputational risks are mitigated
Senior Associate; Associate Partner
Charlotte Street Partners
Edinburgh
2016.09 - 2022.07
- Built trusted relationships with clients operating in a range of sectors and advised them on communications strategy and delivery that supported their business objectives - across media relations, internal communications, public affairs, investor relations, change management and crisis communications
- Clients included Tesco, Tesco Bank, FNZ, Openwork, Murray Capital and News Scotland
- Spent six months seconded to key client Tesco Bank as head of media and public affairs during a period of significant change for the business, including the sale of its £3.8bn mortgage portfolio, requiring extensive engagement with customers, media and policymakers
- Implemented a new internship programme with an anonymised application process to identify new talent while also prioritising accessibility and inclusivity
- Promoted to associate partner after just two years
Account Executive; Account Manager
FWD Consulting
London
2013.09 - 2016.07
- Undertook media monitoring and evaluation for clients (predominantly in the insurance and wider FS sector) to benchmark against objectives and KPIs
- Built strong, trusted relationships with clients and ensured excellent service delivery
- Drafted content - including press releases, op-eds, reactive comments and speeches - to a high standard that met audience requirements and was aligned to clients' key messaging
- Shortlisted for Young Insurance Marketer/PR of the Year in 2015 by leading insurance trade publications Post and Insurance Age
- Promoted to account manager after two years
Education
MA Honours - Hispanic Studies and International Relations (including year abroad)
University of Aberdeen
2008.09 - 2013.07
Skills
- Strong copywriting skills
- Media relations expertise - broadcast, print, regional and local
- Thought leadership generation, research and development
- Knowledge of the political and policy landscape
- Experienced at issues management and crisis communications
LANGUAGES
English (native)
Spanish (competent)
REFERENCES
Available upon request
Timeline
Corporate Communications Manager
Burness Paull LLP
2022.07 - 2026.03
Senior Associate; Associate Partner
Charlotte Street Partners
2016.09 - 2022.07
Account Executive; Account Manager
FWD Consulting
2013.09 - 2016.07
MA Honours - Hispanic Studies and International Relations (including year abroad)
University of Aberdeen
2008.09 - 2013.07