Health and Safety Executive announces top communications role

E047:08 3 October, 2008

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today named Sally Sykes as Director of Communications. Ms Sykes will be based at HSE's headquarters in Bootle and will oversee the building of a team as the organisation gears up to unveil its five year strategy for health and safety in Great Britain.

Ms Sykes, a senior communications and public affairs practitioner, will move to HSE later this year from DePuy International, a $5billion subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson where she has served on the board as Director, Communications & Business Services. At DePuy International Ms Sykes has been responsible for a team of 25 people operating across 4 sites and has a global remit managing communications across all non-US markets, including Europe, Middle East and Africa, Japan, Asia Pacific and Australia.

HSE Chair Judith Hackitt said, "We are delighted to welcome Sally Sykes as Director of Communications. Sally's successful track record in leading large multi-disciplinary teams and her understanding of public sector communications will be crucial in leading the strategic approach to regain HSE's position as a modern proportionate regulator. This is an important and timely appointment for the HSE, and Sally will be charged with ensuring that HSE is portrayed accurately for the critical role it plays in supporting employers across GB to mitigate health and safety issues and preventing death, injury and illness caused by working activities."

Sally Sykes commented on her appointment, "I am looking forward to leading the communications team at the HSE. Opportunities of this national scale and scope are rare. I am also pleased to be joining at such an exciting time, with the establishment of the new HQ on Merseyside and the chance to build a full service communications team."

Prior to joining DePuy International Ms Sykes held senior positions with Astra Zeneca, Ciba-Geigy, Scottish & Newcastle, Littlewoods and Manchester Airport.

In 2006, Ms Sykes was rated by "PR Week" as one of the 50 most influential UK PR practitioners and was also appointed to National Executive and Board - Chartered Institute for Public Relations, where she is Treasurer Elect.

Photograph of Sally Sykes is available from the HSE Press Office.

Notes to Editors

HSE's job is to protect people against risks to health or safety arising out of work activities. It is governed by the HSE Board and the Senior Management Team. The Board comprises nine members who are appointed following consultation with representative groups including employers, employees, local authorities and others. The Senior Management Team has twelve members holding key positions in HSE including its Operational and Policy Directors, Agency Chief Executives and Legal Advisor. HSE is accountable to Parliament via its Minister, Lord McKenzie, at the Department of Work and Pensions.

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All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office