IPPR appoints new Head of News and Communications
24 Apr 2018Press Story
IPPR, the UK’s pre-eminent progressive think tank, has appointed former national newspaper journalist David Wastell to step up its external communications and engage with new audiences.
Wastell, who worked at the Independent and Telegraph before becoming communications director of Start Network, a global network of aid agencies, will take up his role early next month (May).
As IPPR’s new Head of News and Communications, he will lead the team responsible for raising the organisation’s profile as it approaches its 30th anniversary. In September the IPPR Commission on Economic Justice, involving high-profile public figures including the Archbishop of Canterbury, is expected to recommend sweeping changes to the post-Brexit economy. Major reports are also planned on reforming the NHS, tackling air pollution, and on trade and Brexit.
Tom Kibasi, IPPR’s Director, said: “We are delighted that someone with David’s experience and wide-ranging connections—political and journalistic—is bringing his communications expertise to IPPR at this key moment for the development of public policy.
“The next few years will be crucial for progressive thinkers as the UK faces huge challenges and choices, including the wide-ranging consequences arising from the Brexit vote. IPPR has been at the forefront of fresh thinking for almost three decades, and we are determined to continue leading the debate in the decades ahead.”
Wastell was foreign editor of the Independent until it stopped printing in 2016. He previously held the same post at the Telegraph, where he played a key role leading international teams in the transition to digital and 24/7 publishing. He is a former Washington correspondent and political editor of the Sunday Telegraph, and reported from Westminster for 10 years.
He said: “I’m excited to be joining IPPR at this pivotal moment for the UK, and for progressive economic, social and political thought.
“IPPR has had a formidable impact, across the political spectrum, during its first 30 years. I’m thrilled to be leading a hugely talented team that will ensure its ideas reach a new generation, delivering even greater impact in the future.”
CONTACT
Florri Burton 07867 388895 / 020 7470 6154 / f.burton@ippr.org
NOTES
David Wastell will be in post from 8th May 2018
IPPR is the UK’s pre-eminent progressive think tank. Our mission is to open up opportunity, power and prosperity to everyone through conducting rigorous research and generating big ideas. With more than 40 staff in offices in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh, IPPR is Britain’s only national think tank with a truly national presence.
The IPPR Commission on Economic Justice is a landmark initiative to rethink economic policy for post-Brexit Britain. The Commission brings together leading figures from across society to examine the challenges facing the UK economy and make practical recommendations for reform. Its Interim Report, Time for Change: A New Vision for the British Economy, was published in September 2017. Its final report will be published in September.