LONDON — Hanover has hired James Mole, NHS England’s former deputy director of communications, to its healthcare practice as a director.

Mole was at NHS England for more than five years and was head of media during the pandemic, managing journalist enquiries during the period, supporting regular Downing St press conferences and providing senior counsel to NHS leaders and medics, including during the roll-out of the Covid vaccination programme.

In his new role at Hanover Health , which now employs more than 40 communications and public affairs specialists in London, Mole will lead several of Hanover’s pharmaceutical accounts, including advising on media relations and stakeholder relationships.

He will report to Hanover Health leads Alex Davies and Emma Gorton. Davies, the practice’s deputy MD, said: “We could not be more excited to have James join the team at Hanover. He brings a peerless level of media experience to the table and will provide invaluable insight to clients wanting to tell a powerful story and break-through. We’re delighted to have him on board”.

Mole added: “The pandemic was the clearest demonstration possible that good communications aligned with medical advances is a powerful combination, and Hanover Health is the best place to be to work with organisations which are developing the most interesting, important and innovative products to improve patients’ lives, public health and scientific understanding”.

Hanover has also hired George Butterworth as a senior account director in its policy, advocacy and public affairs team. Butterworth has 15 years’ experience across parliament, government and several healthcare charities, including the Department of Health and Social Care, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK and the Alzheimer's Society.