FA Appoints Walker To England PR Team
The FA has appointed Andy Walker as the new senior communications manager for the England men’s team, replacing Stuart Mawhinney who departed for Sky Sports following the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Walker joins The FA’s communications division from Birmingham City FC where he held the post of head of media and communications.
During his time at Birmingham, Walker has overseen media demands around the club’s 2011 Carling Cup triumph, the UEFA Europa League, the Barclays Premier League and subsequent relegation to the Sky Bet Championship, and two successive UEFA Women’s Champions League campaigns.
In his new role, Walker will help shape communications around the England senior men’s team and contribute to a multi-media PR strategy in the build up to the UEFA 2016 European Championships.
According to the FA, he will also oversee an integrated communications approach to all the England men’s development teams from U21s downwards, assisted by PR officer James Marshall.
Walker, who starts on 24th November, said of the appointment: ‘I am delighted to be starting the next chapter of my career with The FA and I relish the opportunity to further enhance England’s public relations ahead of what will be an exciting build up to UEFA Euro 2016 and beyond.’
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Birmingham City and the experience I have gained. It has recently been a testing period for the football club and I’d like to thank all my colleagues at Birmingham for their continued hard work and support they have shown me over the years.’
Walker will report into FA head of media relations Mark Whittle, who commented: ‘Andy was the outstanding candidate for this role following a highly competitive and comprehensive application process. We are delighted to be welcoming someone with such varied experience and forward-thinking ideas to our team.’
