James, who joins from an international data and insight consultancy, where he led campaigns for companies and governments around the world, will help to evolve and enhance Copper’s strategic approach to data collection, analysis and insight.
Copper has made the appointment because it recognises the enormous opportunity to shape more impactful and effective campaigns using the widest range of data driven insights.
The company is already leading the shift to more efficient and effective digital consultation and engagement, to give major infrastructure projects richer, more timely and more actionable insight. It is also working with clients from across infrastructure to develop and implement wider strategies to assess and advise on a range of indicators, including underlying demographic factors, political and stakeholder analysis, real time audience sentiment and engagement assessment.
This new appointment will provide a clear direction of travel for the consultancy and it’s expanding communications practice in delivering increasingly impactful, expansive and efficient strategies for clients across the sector.
James brings heavyweight campaign and data insight experience to the team with a breadth of domestic and international campaign experience spanning campaign management, public relations and government communications.
Commenting on the appointment, Annabel John, Director of Communications at Copper, said: “As a company that sits at the heart of the infrastructure industry, we already live in an enormously data rich environment. But the communications strategies and tactics that have been rolled out haven’t always fully capitalized on this to give project teams and companies insights that can be actioned in order to deliver the best possible outcomes. Copper is at the forefront of changing that, deliver strategies that are based on data insight, are reactive and responsive and can achieve measurable outcomes. James is going to take our approach to the next level, ensuring that our clients receive industry leading advice.”
Responding to his appointment, James Hillier said: “Moving into the infrastructure sector is enormously exciting. It’s an industry that will genuinely change the way that our country operates, as we respond to the challenge of the net zero transition. Efficient, actionable and insightful data strategies can play a critical role in helping our clients respond to the rapidly changing world around them. The information is already there, I’m really excited about putting it to good use.”
James is an experienced strategic communications professional with a breadth of domestic and international campaign experience. A diverse work portfolio including international campaign management, public relations, government communications, counter violent extremism and commercial contracts. Astute in converting research findings into actionable strategy, communicating complex issues, managing teams, nurturing client relationships, and problem-solving. James has a passion for politics, operating at the intersection of research, analysis, big-data, strategy and communications.
Copper works on behalf of the largest and most important infrastructure projects and companies across the UK, including National Highways, National Grid, RWE, Vattenfall, SSE. It implements its proprietary Communify approach to data driven communications strategy development, implementation and monitoring, which is designed to achieve enhanced outcomes for infrastructure developers and stakeholders.
