BAA appoints new head of media
Airport operator BAA has announced that the British Property Federation's Andrew Teacher is to be its new head of media.
Teacher, who has been the principal spokesman for the UK's commercial real estate industry for the last four years, will take up his new post on 1 September.
He will report to BAA communications director Malcolm Robertson and lead a team of three PR officers overseeing media relations and financial communications for the company, which runs airports including Heathrow.
The hire does not affect Finsbury, which will continue as BAA's retained financial PR agency.
Robertson said: "This is an important position for BAA, and Heathrow in particular. I am delighted that Andy has chosen to join us, and look forward to working with him to change perceptions and better explain the challenges we face."
At the BPF Teacher was responsible for a high-profile campaign against empty property rates which received the backing of the Daily Mail.
He has also been closely involved on the political side of the lobbying body, advising on planning, sustainability and housing.
BAA said his "multimedia expertise", with a raft of high-profile media appearances including the Today Programme, the Politics Show, Sky and BBC News was a "key factor in his recruitment".
Teacher said: "There are many great stories at Heathrow and around the group and many great people within the organisation willing to tell them. I’m looking forward to getting under the skin of the company and building on the team's proactive strategy.
“Heathrow will always be on the frontline and I’m sure my notoriously thick skin will come in handy."