British Airways has named David Budgen as head of
international communications, replacing Michael Blunt, who has
moved to fill the vacancy left by Peter Jones.
Budgen joins BA’s Heathrow-based communications team from Gatwick
Airport where he has been communications manager for the airline
since 1992. As well as handling PR for BA’s activities at
Gatwick, Budgen also worked on behalf of British Airways
Holidays.
In his new role Budgen will oversee the activities of BA’s
communications staff in the US, Europe and other key markets. He
will also have responsibility for co-ordinating 53 PR agencies
worldwide. He reports to director of corporate affairs Kevin
Murray.
The international communications job fell vacant in January after
previous incumbent Michael Blunt switched to the post of head of
corporate communications (PR Week, 24 January). He in turn
replaced Peter Jones who resigned after just two months in the
role. Jones was previously acting director of public affairs for
BA but ceded that role to Kevin Murray last July.
BA has recruited four other managers to its communications team.
Alison Dewar and Yolanda Foster join the international division
while Jamie Bowden and David Hedges join the corporate
communications team.
