Lane will support PLMR’s senior team and bolster its expanding education practice. The agency represents academy chains and school trusts in both the public and private sectors and works with academic publisher Oxford University Press.
At the DfE Lane was chief press officer responsible for schools – acting on the Government’s package of education reforms, as well as leading media coverage on numerous ministerial speeches, events, school visits and press conferences. He recently won a place on the Government Communication Service’s talent management programme.
Lane started his career as a journalist, working as a news editor and reporter at various regional titles. Before joining the DfE, he worked in comms at the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England.
He said: "I am delighted to have joined as high-class an agency as PLMR. I have been impressed for a number of years by its work, not just because of the service it provides and results it achieves for clients, but by its ethical approach."
Elin Twigge, deputy managing director of PLMR, said: "PLMR continues to go from strength to strength and we are delighted to welcome Oliver to our team. From his in-depth understanding of the schools landscape, to his sharp eye for news, we look forward to Oliver bringing his wealth of experience to bear for clients across the business."
