Jane Lawrie

Global head of corporate affairs
KPMG
UK

Jane Lawrie joined KPMG in the newly-created role of global head of corporate affairs towards the end of 2019 after leaving Tesco, where she had been communications chief since 2016.

Lawrie – who was the recipient of a SABRE award for Individual Achievement last year – sits on KPMG’s global management team and reports to global chairman and chief executive Bill Thomas, who said at the time of her appointment: “With over 25 years' experience in helping organizations protect and grow their reputation, Jane brings with her a wealth of experience in corporate, digital and employee communications, public policy and sustainability.”

Lawrie’s 30-year communications career has seen her lead communications and corporate affairs at a string of global brands. Between 2016 and 2019, she was a member of the executive committee at Tesco, where she led the group communications function through the company’s turnaround, overseeing the board’s corporate responsibility committee and establishing a new sustainability program.

Throughout her experience, Lawrie has focused on stewarding businesses to make the right decisions to protect and shape reputation, overseeing the full spectrum of transformation from policy decisions through to digital investments. Prior to Tesco, Lawrie spent almost a decade with Coca-Cola, where she was public affairs and communications director for Europe, and has also held senior roles at Diageo and Boots.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
Influencing the portfolio choices at a major drinks organisation.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead?
Talent – retention and development – with the ability to span strategy and execution.

What have you most admired about this industry over the past year?
The ability to step forward and influence business decisions through difficult times.

What has most disappointed you about this industry over the past year?
When PR has tried to capitalise in moments of crisis.

How have you switched off from work and maintained wellness over the past year?Building in down-time and ring fencing time in the diary.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through the past year or provided inspiration?
Steven Bartlett: Diary of a CEO.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
Writing.

Sum up 2022 in one word.
Divisive.