Former Western Group member Mike Orford will become the new head of Volkswagen UK Press and Public Relations this autumn.
His move from Porsche follows the appointment of Paul Buckett to the newly created role of Head of Group Corporate and Public Relations.
Group friend Paul Buckett joined what was then V.A.G UK Ltd in 1988 as Public Relations Manager, Volkswagen, after a PR supporting role with Citroen UK, and went on to become Head of Press and Public Relations for Volkswagen Group UK.
In this role he inherited responsibility for Cars, Commercial Vehicles and corporate affairs for the UK importer. Volkswagen Group Communications in Wolfsburg recognises the increasing importance and international impact of UK media and Buckett’s new role will shorten the lines of communication between the UK importer and with the Parent Company.
A native of Bromsgrove, Mike Orford joined Diesel Car in the West Country in 1996 and became a Western Group member the following year, taking on the role of treasurer in 2000 and 2001. He began his career in motor industry public relations when he joined the Volkswagen Press and PR team as Press Officer in 2001.
He soon became Product Affairs Manager, before moving across to SEAT UK in 2005 as Head of Press and PR. Orford commenced his present position as Head of Press and Public Relations at Porsche Cars Great Britain Limited in 2012.
In addition to his background in journalism and media communications, Mike is also currently Chairman of the Motor Industry Public Affairs Association. Both appointments take effect from 1 October 2015.
Robin is the longest serving chairman of The Western Group. He’s been vice chairman or chairman for over ten years and oversees the annual Western Group PR Driving Day each summer assisted by the group committee and supported by group members.
He contributes to a number of outlets in Wales and the UK, including the Driving Force editorial syndication agency feeding the biggest regional news and feature publishers in Britain.
Robin specialises in the Welsh automotive sector and motor related businesses with interests in Wales and publishes WheelsWithinWales.uk which covers news, features, trade and motor sport in Wales.
