Leader in UK Public Affairs: Dan Mulloy, Associate Director, Blakeney, “The importance of hard graft”

Mace | 24th September 2026 | In-House Public Affairs

From leading communications at Downing Street to advising clients at Blakeney, Daniel Mulloy reflects on the value of hard work, strategic thinking and the enduring importance of human writing in an age of AI.

For Daniel Mulloy, a career in communications has been shaped by the demands of government, the importance of trusted relationships and a belief in getting things done. After more than eight years as a civil servant, Mulloy has made the move into public affairs, bringing with him experience of high-profile policy announcements, media relations and communications strategy. “I’m fresh to this world – having been a civil servant for over eight years,” he explains. “An old colleague convinced me to take the plunge and I haven’t looked back!” His career in government included senior communications positions at the Ministry of Justice, the Scottish Government, HM Treasury and the Prime Minister’s Office. His CV highlights experience across political communications, public relations, media strategy and crisis management, providing a broad foundation for his work in public affairs. For Mulloy, the sectors that interest him most are closely connected to his academic and professional background....

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Leader in UK Public Affairs: Konrad Shek, Public Policy & Regulation Director, Advertising Association, “I prefer strategy to performance, substance to theatre”

Mace | August 7, 2026

Konrad Shek discusses his proudest achievement of building the Advertising Association’s credibility and influence in media literacy policy.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Robert Forrester, Chief Executive, Vertu Motors plc, “Leaders need to cast a vision and hold people accountable”

Mace | August 6, 2026

Robert Forrester reflects on his achievement in helping to found a company 20 years ago that now generates £5bn in revenue and employs more than 7,500 people.

Leader in Public Affairs: David Sheen, Public Affairs Director, UKHospitality, “Take a risk, offer innovative solutions”

Mace | August 5, 2026

David Sheen pushes back against common perceptions about public affairs, but argues instead that it is about hard work, marshalling arguments, and building coalitions.

Leader in Public Affairs: Signe Norberg, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, ISEP, “Human relationships remain critical, AI needs careful application”

Mace | August 4, 2026

Signe Norberg reflects on her leadership philosophies, encouraging people to 'lead with humanity'

Leader in Public Affairs: Grace Pritchard, Downing Street Director of News and the Prime Minister’s Political Spokesperson

Mace | August 3, 2026

After heading the Makerfield by-election comms team, Grace Pritchard was singled out by Andy Burnham as being a key part of his northern campaign team. The self-styled 'Yorkshire

Leader in Public Affairs: Zak Viney, Campaigns and Public Affairs Coordinator, Living Streets, “Politics starts locally on the doorstep”

Mace | August 3, 2026

Living Streets’ Zak Viney speaks to The Mace about moving from engineering into advocacy, making the case for walkable streets across political divides and securing practical progress on

Leader in Public Affairs: Zara Harrington, Head of Public Affairs, Diageo – “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity”

Mace | August 3, 2026

From navigating regulation and trade policy to aligning advocacy with commercial strategy, Diageo’s Zara Harington's career in public affairs has been about understanding how political decisions translate into

The Advocate: Lucy Gilchrist, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, PepsiCo UKI – “Advocacy enables better policymaking”

Mace | August 2, 2026

PepsiCo UKI’s Lucy Gilchrist does some of her best policy thinking on the running machine. She tells The Mace why public affairs must turn intelligence into action, how

The Strategist: Sonia Khan, senior partner H/Advisors – “Those of us who’ve spent a good amount of time in government understand how government operates”

William Cash | July 28, 2026

As one of Westminster's most effective public affairs strategists, Sonia Khan tells Mace how she bridges the gap between high-stakes politics and global corporate strategy.

Leader in Public UK Affairs: Beatrice Barleon, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, EngineeringUK, ‘Achieving change is team work, always’

Mace | July 28, 2026

With a career spanning sustainability, property and now EngineeringUK, Beatrice discusses her drive to work in policy areas that align with her principles.