Tesco's recently appointed government affairs director is set to
carry out a review of its public affairs account.
David North takes up the newly created post in February and joins from
the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where he is a
senior policy adviser.
He reports to group corporate affairs director Lucy Neville-Rolfe, who
said a review of the PA account, currently held by Burson-Marsteller,
was one of his tasks.
Neville-Rolfe said: 'This is an area that David will want to look
into.'
North's appointment follows a four month search to fill the post. His
role was created in July following a review carried out by
Neville-Rolfe.
He heads a ten-strong team, including European government affairs
manager Sarah Ward.
North's appointment follows a wave of senior staff departures since
Neville-Rolfe took charge two years ago.
The most recent was head of media relations David Sawday who quit to
join Safeway as controller of corporate communications in October
(PRWeek, 7 September).
Other departures include European public affairs manager Bernard Hughes,
now Edelman PR Worldwide PA director, Andrew Coker, Coca-Cola comms
director and Alan McLaughlin, Channel 4 head of PR.
Tesco has been heavily involved in public affairs and media relations
work for its bid to stock big name fashion brands such as Levi, at low
costs.
However, last week the European Court of Justice upheld Levi's rights to
regulate the supply and pricing of its branded goods in the EU.
