Two New Stars Join Mercedes-Benz UK's PR Team

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – May 16, 2011: Mercedes-Benz UK has recruited two talented PR professionals to further improve its service to the British media.

Laura Biss and Caroline Burnell join as Press Officers, and both bring fresh talent and ideas to the existing team.

Working primarily in automotive media with passenger cars, Laura Biss joins the Mercedes-Benz team from another manufacturer where she was responsible for social and online media. Laura will support Jo Ayers, Senior Press Officer Passenger Cars and will become the main contact for press fleet enquiries.

Caroline Burnell brings a wealth of agency experience, especially in the retail and trade segments, and will work with Simon Wood, Senior Press Officer Commercial Vehicles in the van, truck and trade media.

Rob Halloway, PR Manager Cars and Commercial Vehicles commented: “The arrival of Laura and Caroline marks the beginning of something of a renaissance for our UK press office. The skills, knowledge and energy they’ll bring to their new roles will ensure that we continue to innovate and push what I think is one of the world’s most exciting brands.

“As well as Mercedes-Benz celebrating 125 years of the automobile, 2011 is the start of a new age in the company. Concept A-Class gives a strong hint of what we’re bringing to customers over the next few years. Add to that an exciting new range of trucks, and our new Press Officers are joining at just the right time!”

Rob’s team is responsible for communicating Mercedes-Benz and smart with the national and automotive media; and Lifestyle PR Manager Debbie Hull continues with Sheena Hamilton, Senior Press Officer with Mercedes-Benz and smart in the wide-ranging lifestyle media arena.

The full department reports to Communications Director Andrew Roberts, who has implemented the revised line-up. Andrew said: “Today’s media landscape is very different to the traditional model of a few years ago, and our team needs to reflect that shift. With Debbie leading the way in the crucial lifestyle segment, the time was right to add some depth to the automotive team. We’ve got some terrific people promoting the best cars in the market – we’ll do some great things!”