AkzoNobel hires former Hacked Off director of comms, David Hass, as head of UK communications
AkzoNobel has brought in former political advisor and BBC journalist David Hass as its new head of UK communications.
Hass has joined the global paints and coatings company having recently served as director of communications for Hacked Off, the cross-party campaign calling on changes to the way the press handles complaints from the public, for the past year.
He has also acted as a special adviser to the former Justice Secretary for England and Wales, Ken Clarke, and was responsible for day to day PR and crisis communications across the UK prisons system.
From 2007-2009, Hass was press secretary to George Osborne and prior to that he was a broadcast journalist and producer, predominantly with the BBC.
Hass said he felt “privileged” to be joining the company, adding: “AkzoNobel is a global multinational with great British roots. From the proud histories of ICI and Courtaulds to this year’s £100m investment in high tech manufacturing in North East England, the company can boast a long and enduring commitment to investing in UK expertise in science and innovation.
“This is also a company with a strong social conscience. In an industry known all too often for environmental recklessness, AkzoNobel has set the standard for responsibility and sustainability. It is a big company with a big heart, and that is what I hope to illuminate.”
Earlier this year, AkznoNobel finished the structural work on its £100m manufacturing facility in Ashington, Northumberland, which, when completed, will service brands including Dulux, Cuprinol, Hammerite and Polycell.