Oracle UK’s head of communications is to quit the software and services
company at the end of the month in a public relations shake-up.
Michael Spring, who joined 18 months ago from computer outfit Sun, is
leaving to become an independent marketing communications consultant.
He will not be replaced. His responsibilities as head of internal
communications, events and marketing communications will be handled by
Sally Hempson, who has been promoted to marketing communications
manager.
Public relations will be handled by PR manager Alison Campbell. She
joins from computer company Bull, in three weeks’ time, and is to head
Oracle’s first in-house department.
She will report to Oracle marketing director Nick Barley, who also
joined from Bull a month ago. Campbell is expected to start recruiting
as soon as she arrives.
Spring denied industry rumours Oracle managing director Phil Crawford,
who also joined from Bull in July, wanted to establish former Bull
employees in key roles. Spring pointed out his first job will be to
advise Oracle on the changes.
‘I will be smoothing the transition when Alison arrives,’ said Spring.
‘You have to expect some degree of change. Phil and Nick had views about
establishing one key role [Campbell’s]. What they want to do is ensure
consistency of message.’
Barley added that Spring was a ‘valued employee’ who will continue to
work in an external capacity for the agency providing ‘creative
marketing experience.’
The new PR department will handle press enquiries and liaise with
Oracle’s newly appointed PR agency Bite (PR Week, 27 October).
According to Barley, it is part of Oracle’s effort to position itself as
a major player in the consumer market rather than just a database
company.
‘We see ourselves alongside IBM and Microsoft,’ said Barley. ‘We are
moving away from just the IT press to a broader appeal.’
He added the current ‘modifications’ reflected Oracle’s desire to ‘focus
on public relations’.
