‘Gems in Comms’…with Jennifer Thomas

‘Gems in Comms’…with Jennifer Thomas

‘Gems in Comms’ is a new podcast series launched by Hanson Search in association with 9to5workrebels, exploring working experiences of Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority talent in the UK PR and Communications industry.

For this week’s episode on our podcast series ‘Gems in Comms’ we speak to Jennifer Thomas. Jennifer has risen quickly to the top as a corporate communicator, having been talent-spotted for rapid promotion at every company she has worked for. Her former career as a championship 400m runner and hurdler for England was early evidence of her drive and determination. 

Jennifer is currently leading the internal and external communications strategy as Head of Communications for the newly acquired Data & Analytics division of the London Stock Exchange Group. Prior to that she consulted at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to lead the next phase of their global diversity and inclusion strategy as well as advised on change, culture and engagement communications as the business prepared to separate into two organisations.  

Previously, Jennifer was transforming the profile and reputation of Direct Line Group (DLG), as Director of Internal Communications, Experience & Sustainability, previously as its Director of Financial Communications. She was part of the Group’s Strategic Leadership Team, accountable for developing the Group’s internal communications strategy, including employee engagement, the incorporation of the employee value proposition and corporate brand. In addition, she developed and executed a new corporate social responsibility strategy which was reported through the Executive Team and the Board. 

Jennifer is currently a Non-Executive Director on the Board of England Netball and Senior Independent Director at UK Athletics. In addition to being an effective Board member, responsible for the expected board governance accountabilities, Jennifer is also known for her bringing her strategic communications, crisis management and diversity and inclusion expertise to the board table.  

She is also a prominent diversity and inclusion specialist, advocating for diversity and inclusion pan-industry, introducing and setting D&I strategies within various organisations. Alongside this, she has set up and joined several programmes to act as a mentor and coach those within the Black and female community. 

Tune in for the podcast here: