Leading communications agency PLMR has hired Mark Lehain as a Senior Adviser to further strengthen its education offer.

Mark was founder and Principal of one of the country’s first free schools before leading both Parents and Teachers for Excellence and the New Schools Network. He is also Director of the Campaign for Common Sense, a role he will continue in, and stood as a candidate for the Conservative Party at the 2019 General Election.

Mark will add further experience to PLMR’s market-leading education practice as well as providing consultancy to the firm’s clients across other sectors.

Mark Lehain, Senior Adviser at PLMR, said:

“I’m delighted to be joining PLMR’s successful and experienced team at such an important time. The past year has reminded everyone of the vital role played by schools and other key sectors, and I look forward to supporting clients as we learn from recent experiences and build on them into the future.”

Ollie Lane, Managing Director of PLMR, said:

“PLMR continues to grow from strength to strength and we are absolutely delighted to welcome Mark to our team. From his in-depth understanding of the education landscape to his wider political acumen,  Mark will add further experience and expertise for the benefit of clients across the business. He’s a brilliant thinker and campaigner.”

PLMR’s upward trajectory has continued over the last 12 months in spite of the Covid-19 crisis. As well as achieving strong growth, in October PLMR became the first communications consultancy to be named HealthInvestor’s Strategic Consultants of the Year and was shortlisted as Agency of the Year at the 2020 CorpComms Awards.