The University is announcing today that Emily Fingland has been appointed as our new Executive Director of Communications. She will succeed Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement & Advancement, who retires from the University next month.
Emily is currently Director of Strategic Communications at National Highways, and has worked previously in senior communication roles at the University of Surrey, M&C Saatchi PR, and other agencies. She will lead a new Communications Directorate and have strategic and operational leadership responsibility for the University鈥檚 external and internal communications and reputation management, and will play a key role in the University鈥檚 business continuity and crisis handling. She will report to Wendy Appleby, Vice-President (Operations), and joins Southampton on 2 September.
Wendy Appleby commented: 鈥淓mily has extensive experience in strategic and operational communications, and very strong and collaborative leadership skills. We were all impressed by her clear insight into our sector鈥檚 issues, and her impressive grasp of the opportunities for promoting and protecting Southampton鈥檚 ever-growing reputation. She will be a very strong addition to the Professional Services leadership team, and we look forward to welcoming her.鈥�
鈥淚 would also like to thank Shaun for his tremendous contribution to the University, and for his wise advice on many issues, and wish him every happiness in his retirement.鈥�
Emily Fingland commented: 聽鈥淚 am thrilled to be joining an institution that plays such a key role in developing the talent and research that will help solve some of the world鈥檚 biggest challenges. The University鈥檚 clear strategy and focus on people and growth makes it stand out in the sector, so I am really looking forward to working with the team to grow Southampton鈥檚 reputation further.鈥�