David Henning
Hertford,Hertfordshire
Summary
A highly accomplished communications leader with two decades of experience in developing and executing impactful communication strategies for both public and private sectors. Proven expertise in managing media relations, crisis communications, marketing, and digital campaigns to navigate complex challenges and drive stakeholder engagement. Skilled in leading and managing teams, projects, and events, with a focus on both internal and external communications. Experienced in change management and redundancy programs, with a track record of creating and implementing successful communication strategies.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Communications and Marketing Business Partner
Wates Group
London, City of London
03.2020 - 08.2025
- Drove brand visibility and growth by spearheading all communications and marketing for the £500M Wates Property Services business unit.
- Created and executed integrated marketing and communication strategies that contributed directly to winning over £100 million of new contracts in 2024.
- Engineered communications strategies that increased employee engagement by approximately 40% and significantly boosted external brand reach.
- Directed media relations to secure hundreds of positive media placements and cultivate strong relationships with key national, trade, and regional journalists. Achieving a year on year increase in media impressions of between 20 and 25%.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive marketing and digital campaigns that significantly improved industry and stakeholder awareness. Showing an increase of 35-40% in social media impressions for major campaigns.
- Authored and edited all content for annual reports in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, ensuring clear and consistent corporate messaging.
- Provided strategic communications counsel and media training to senior leaders for an average of 15 public speaking engagements and crisis situations every year.
- Executed a program of over 20 key events and sponsorships, including the CIH Housing Conference, to enhance brand presence and networking opportunities.
- Directed graphic design and branded content to ensure visual consistency and adherence to brand guidelines.
- Supervised a high-performing marketing and communications team and worked with multiple external agencies to optimised resources and campaign delivery.
PR Manager
Kier Group plc
02.2019 - 02.2020
- Directed the press office for Kier Living and Kier Housing Maintenance, successfully managing media strategies and crisis management issues for local, trade, and national media. Including a target of 3-4 press releases a month.
- Provided expert PR strategy counsel to senior leaders to navigate critical communications challenges.
- Monitored and contributed to the Group's social media channels, enhancing brand presence, with a target increase in engagement of up to 5%.
- Authored compelling content for key Group publications, including the annual report, to inform stakeholders and reinforce corporate messaging.
- Maintained and strengthened strategic partnerships with industry bodies, expanding the company's influence and network.
Internal Communication and Engagement Manager
McKesson UK
06.2017 - 02.2019
- Directed all internal communications and PR for LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare, aligning messaging to business goals.
- Pioneered and implemented the company's first internal communications strategy, which successfully established a clear tone of voice and consistent messaging across the organisation.
- Orchestrated a variety of internal and external campaigns, encompassing events, charitable initiatives, and employee engagement programs, to foster a positive company culture.
- Delivered communications for the complex integration of two businesses, successfully managing change communications, redundancy programs, and employee retention strategies.
- Led the entire process for a new intranet solution, from developing the business case to planning the launch, which improved internal communication channels.
- Defined the new brand direction, creating the brand strategy, narrative, and supporting collateral to enhance brand identity.
- Created the annual staff survey, including question design and data analysis, to provide actionable insights for improving employee engagement. Raising employee engagement in the survey from 17% to 38%.
PR and Communications Consultant
Freelance
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Produced and delivered an integrated communications and marketing strategy to successfully transition Indepth Diving Services from a physical to an online presence.
- Established the official Basildon Borough Council press office function, including all procedures and policies.
- Oversaw all press activity and successfully trained the incoming press officer.
- Managed all internal and external communications for Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Children's Services, including press, social media, marketing, video, and online content.
- Developed a comprehensive communications plan for a new call centre.
- Supervised the workload, performance, and professional development of team members.
Corporate Communications Officer
VolkerWessels UK
03.2015 - 08.2016
Corporate Communications and PR Officer
Synthomer plc
11.2013 - 03.2015
Press Officer
Hertfordshire County Council and Ringway Infrastructure Services
12.2011 - 11.2013
Community Development Manager
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
03.2011 - 12.2011
PR Officer
Sanctuary Group
01.2008 - 03.2011
PR and Communication Officer
IGB Group Ltd
10.2006 - 12.2007
Marketing and PR Assistant
Van Hage Garden Company
01.2006 - 10.2006
Education
BA (Hons) - Public Relations
The University of Luton (now University of Bedfordshire)
Luton 09/2002 - 06/2005
Skills
- Strategic communication planning
- Engagement with stakeholders
- Management of press office
- Project, event, and budget oversight
- People management skills
- Crisis communication and media relations
- Training for media professionals
- Marketing initiatives and digital campaigns
- Social media project oversight
- Change management communications
- Brand strategy development and content creation
- Planning strategies with team supervision
- Employee engagement initiatives and communication strategies
- Development of intranet and websites
- Expertise in SharePoint applications
- Copywriting proficiency and proofreading
Personal Information
Title: Senior Communications Manager
Timeline
Communications and Marketing Business Partner
Wates Group
03.2020 - 08.2025
PR Manager
Kier Group plc
02.2019 - 02.2020
Internal Communication and Engagement Manager
McKesson UK
06.2017 - 02.2019
PR and Communications Consultant
Freelance
08.2016 - 06.2017
Corporate Communications Officer
VolkerWessels UK
03.2015 - 08.2016
Corporate Communications and PR Officer
Synthomer plc
11.2013 - 03.2015
Press Officer
Hertfordshire County Council and Ringway Infrastructure Services
12.2011 - 11.2013
Community Development Manager
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
03.2011 - 12.2011
PR Officer
Sanctuary Group
01.2008 - 03.2011
PR and Communication Officer
IGB Group Ltd
10.2006 - 12.2007
Marketing and PR Assistant
Van Hage Garden Company
01.2006 - 10.2006
BA (Hons) - Public Relations
The University of Luton (now University of Bedfordshire)
09/2002 - 06/2005
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