British Academy hires new Communications Director

The UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences, the British Academy, has appointed Liz Hutchinson as its new Director of Communications.  She replaces Tim Brassell, who is retiring after nine years in the role.  
 
Liz Hutchinson joins the Academy from Goldsmiths, University of London where she is Director of Communications and Public Affairs and a member of the Senior Leadership Team for Professional Services.  During her time at Goldsmiths, she has led a new communications strategy to promote and champion research and increase student numbers from the UK and overseas.
 
Liz has significantly developed their digital communications, delivering an award-winning new website and content strategy. She has led the development of a Public Engagement programme for research and refreshed the brand to enhance the university's visual identity and messaging. An expert in media relations, she has previously headed up the Press Offices for a number of government agencies. 
 
She said: "I'm delighted to be joining the British Academy at this critical time for the Humanities and Social Sciences, and for academia more broadly. There is an incredibly strong case to be made for research that helps us to understand our changing societies. I'm looking forward to working with the Academy's Fellows and staff to ensure that the value of our disciplines is clearly articulated and that we have a strong and active community to help us to tell that story."
 
British Academy Chief Executive Alun Evans said: "We are delighted to have appointed Liz, who has a great track record in delivering strong and innovative communications. She will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Academy at a time when we are seeking to raise our profile and extend our reach still further. 
 
"I also want to pay tribute to Tim Brassell for all he has done over the past decade to modernise and transform the ways in which the Academy communicates with our Fellows, the public and all our stakeholders."
 
Liz will take overall responsibility for an 11-strong team managing communications and external relations at the Academy, including press and media, digital communications and social media, public and academic events and a wide range of publishing activities.
 
She will take up her new role on 9 January 2017.

Notes to Editors:

1. The British Academy for the humanities and social sciences. Established by Royal Charter in 1902. Its purpose is to inspire and support high achievement in the humanities and social sciences throughout the UK and internationally, and to promote their public value. For more information, please visit www.britishacademy.ac.uk
Follow the British Academy on Twitter @britac_news.

2. For further information, please contact Kate Rosser Frost, Head of Communications on [email protected] or 020 7969 5263