PLMR, currently UK Consultancy of the Year, has today confirmed the appointment of Oliver Lane as an Account Director at its Westminster HQ.

Oliver has joined from the Department for Education, where he was chief press officer responsible for schools, and gained a reputation for delivering positive media coverage around the announcement and implementation of the Government’s package of education reforms, as well as leading on numerous Ministerial speeches, events, school visits, and press conferences. Latterly he won a place on the Government Communication Service’s talent management programme.

Before joining the DfE, Oliver worked in the communications team at the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England, where he oversaw the first Takeover Day, which involved more than 10,000 children and young people working with 400 organisations, including Manchester United and BSkyB.

Oliver started his career as a journalist, working as a news editor and reporter for award-winning titles in the Archant and Newsquest stables, including the South Wales Argus.

Oliver’s appointment will further strengthen PLMR’s senior team and bring an additional boost to its fast growing education practice.  The agency already represents academy chains and school trusts in both the state and private sector.

Elin Twigge, Deputy Managing Director of PLMR, said:

“PLMR continues to grow from strength to strength and we are absolutely 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.”

Oliver Lane, Account Director at PLMR, said:

“I am delighted to have joined as high-class an agency as PLMR. I have been impressed for a number of years by their work, not just because of the service they provide and results they achieve for their clients, but their ethical approach.”