Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, has today appointed Will Walden to be his new Director of Communications. Walden, who is the BBC's Westminster News Editor, has been a broadcast journalist with 20 years experience in both the public and commercial sector.
He began his career as a reporter in local newspapers before moving to commercial radio and has worked extensively as a reporter, producer and editor across local, regional and national television and radio, for the BBC, ITN, GMTV and Granada.
For the last five years he has directed the BBC's day to day coverage of political news, working closely with the BBC's Political Editor Nick Robinson, having previously spent three years as the Corporation's senior producer in Washington D.C, where he worked as right hand man to Chief US Correspondent, Matt Frei. Before that he was senior political producer to the then Political Editor Andrew Marr.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: "I'm delighted that Will Walden will be joining my team at City Hall. He will bring drive, originality and flair to the post of Director of Communications. It is ever more vital that politicians communicate clearly and honestly with voters about how we are spending their money and how we plan to improve the city. I believe Will has exactly the right skills to help us engage with Londoners. He has enormous experience of politics and a great track record at the BBC. I am thrilled to welcome him on board."
Will Walden said: "After 12 year fantastic years at the BBC, I'm delighted to be joining Boris Johnson and his team at what is an incredible time for London and for Londoners. A Diamond Jubilee and an Olympic Games represent among the very best that London has to offer. But I know that the Mayor is determined it doesn't end there. He has set out a compelling vision for London's future and it is a privilege to be asked to help shape that vision. "
Walden will begin his new role in early July.