PRCA marks milestone in governance review with appointment of Interim Change Director

10th July 2023: The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has appointed Andraea Dawson-Shepherd as Interim Change Director. The appointment marks a milestone in the PRCA’s governance review process, as the organisation prepares the details of its new structure and governance and management processes in advance of an Extraordinary General Meeting this September.

Andraea’s background is in change management and corporate affairs, making her particularly well suited to support the PRCA through this period. Until recently she held C-suite Corporate Affairs & Change roles in international corporate organisations such as Coty Inc, Carlsberg Group SA, Reckitt Benckiser plc and Cadbury Schweppes plc, was a Board director of a successful blue chip Change Management Consultancy and had an early career in large and small agencies, embracing all PR and Communications disciplines. She is currently on the advisory board for the Centre for Responsible Business among others and is a pro-bono Director of a Disability Care Home.

In May this year, the Board of the PRCA agreed a new governance blueprint following a wide-ranging consultation and review exercise. Since then, working groups have been developing the details, working alongside independent experts. Andraea’s role will be to support the preparation of the proposals, and to support the PRCA staff team to implement the recommendations once members have voted on them.

Andraea Dawson-Shepherd said:

“PRCA has an ambitious agenda to embed the right governance and management processes for the next stage in its development. I’m delighted to be able to bring together my change management experience and working knowledge of the PRCA members’ industry to help make the Board’s ideas a reality for members.”

Sarah Scholefield, Chair of the PRCA, said:

“Andraea’s arrival is an important moment in our governance review. As we refresh our governance, operations and transparency, her experience and expertise will be invaluable both to the working group and the PRCA staff team.”

Renna Markson, PRCA Managing Director, said:

“We’re very glad to have Andraea’s support to ensure that the new governance and organisational arrangements are implemented well, so that PRCA can be deliver ever-better value for its members.”