Flic Howard-Allen

I re-joined Hill+Knowlton Strategies in June 2009 and have two roles. I act as Client Services Director, working across the consultancy and am also Lead Counsel for CR + Sustainability.  My clients include Compass Group and Emirates Group, plus clients in the packaged goods, leisure and automotive sectors.

I came from Marks & Spencer, after seven years as Director of Communications and CSR, working for Luc Vandevelde and then Sir Stuart Rose. At M&S I was responsible for a team of 50 plus, covering Corporate and Financial PR, Product PR, Internal Communications, Government Affairs, M&S Money, the Archive and the CSR team of 11.

I led the development of ‘Look behind the label’ and I was lucky enough to also lead the creation of Plan A, M&S’ environmental and social plan from a vague idea, to a programme recognised in 2008 by the World Environment Centre, when it was awarded their 24th Gold Medal for Sustainable Development.  It was an immense privilege to work on a programme which will ultimately change the way M&S operates. Plan A was developed by a core team of five, over a six month period up to the launch in January 2007. During that time, I was also responsible for devising external and internal communications, including development of the Plan A brand. Following the launch, the team introduced Plan A initiatives including: Wash at 30 degrees, the M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange, Carrier Bag Charging and the Hanger Amnesty.

Prior to M&S, I was at Hill+Knowlton Strategies for thirteen years. I worked across clients as varied as: adidas, Vauxhall, Esso, Kodak, Shell, GSK and Stepstone.com. I also specialised in environmental issues and campaigns, working for clients such as B&Q.

I graduated from University of Leeds with a BA (Hons) degree in English and was named PR Professional of the Year in 2006 by PR Week. I am a sports fan, enjoy skiing, riding my bike on the Thames towpath and trying to tame my garden. I am married with three sons.