James Sorene is a corporate affairs and communications leader with more than 25 years’ experience advising ministers, chief executives, boards and senior leadership teams on reputation, strategy and stakeholder engagement. He has led communications functions in some of the UK’s most high-profile organisations, helping leaders navigate intense media, political and public scrutiny. His expertise includes reputation management, public affairs, crisis communications and executive advisory.

James most recently served as Director of Communications at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, where he led a team of 90 communications professionals and advised ministers and senior officials on major issues including energy security, net zero and the transition to clean energy. He previously served as Director of Communications at the Department of Health, where he played a leading role in the UK’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout. During the Coalition Government he was official spokesman and Head of Communications to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Earlier in his career he worked in the Home Office Press Office on crime and counter-terrorism issues, including in the aftermath of the 7/7 terrorist attacks.

Outside government, James was Chief Executive of BICOM, where he led the organisation’s research programme, building relationships with think tanks and journalists in the UK and internationally. He was a regular commentator on broadcast programmes and speaker at policy conferences in the UK and US. Across government, international affairs and the media, James has built a reputation for helping leaders make sound decisions and communicate them with clarity during periods of significant change, crisis and uncertainty.

Today, James advises PLMR clients facing complex political, regulatory or reputational challenges, helping leaders navigate complexity, engage stakeholders effectively and communicate with confidence when the stakes are highest.