Paul began his career as a journalist on regional newspapers before joining Reuters, where, over a 20 year period, he reported from more than 30 countries. As Head of Media for Oxfam GB he was responsible for the UK-based media team. As Director of Group Media Relations for Transport for London he led the communications response to the 7th July bombings, for which his team won the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Crisis Communications Award.
In 2007 he moved to become Communications Director of the Government Department for International Development where he helped raise the profile of Britain’s international aid efforts and built an innovative digital engagement team. Joining the BBC as Head of Press and Media Relations he became Director of Communications in 2011, responsible for all communications at the BBC, before moving to a new role as Director of Public Affairs in September 2012.
He is a past President and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. He speaks a number of languages, including fluent French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Paul has also been an Associate Lecturer at the Open University Business School. He graduated with a distinction in his own MBA from the OUBS and was named their MBA Student of the Year in 2004. He is also a Chartered Manager and was named London Chartered Manager of the Year in 2008.