Leader in UK Public Affairs: Tim Hewish, Public Affairs Lead, National Grid, “Go and make a difference”

Mace | 8th September 2026 | In-House Public Affairs, Westminster Index

Tim reflects on the reality of operating in an environment where political pressure, public scrutiny and long-term infrastructure decisions all collide.

“Cost of living and how the energy sector can help lower bills for businesses and families” is the issue that keeps Tim Hewish up at night. As Public Affairs Lead at National Grid, he works on one of the most politically sensitive challenges facing government — and one where policy decisions are felt immediately by households and businesses. His route into public affairs began in Westminster. “Helped a parliamentary candidate win their seat and then went on to be their parliamentary researcher,” he says, describing a start grounded in electoral politics and the day-to-day realities of parliamentary work. That experience continues to shape how he approaches policy and engagement today. Working in the energy sector means operating in an environment where political pressure, public scrutiny and long-term infrastructure decisions all collide. Questions around affordability, energy security and investment are central to the political agenda, and public affairs teams play a key role in ensur...

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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.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Joe Chapman, Head of Public Affairs, Manchester Airports Group – “I love being an advocate”

Mace | July 23, 2026

Joe Chapman, head of public affairs at the Manchester Airport Group, reveals his support for reform in the public affairs industry and why he loves being a leading

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Stef Kenyon, Director of External Affairs, UK Chamber of Shipping, “I came to public affairs via a more unconventional route”

Mace | July 21, 2026

Stef Kenyon discusses the pressures, personalities, and politics that shape the maritime industry.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Anthony Vigor, Group Director, Persimmon Homes, “I was lucky to secure a role at National Express”

Mace | July 21, 2026

Anthony Vigor is Group Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs at Persimmon Homes.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Edwin Morgan, Director of Policy & Communications, UK Warehousing Association – “I’ve always tried to assume that people are trying to do the right thing”

Mace | July 9, 2026

At the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), Edwin Morgan champions a diverse network of businesses, from family-run depots to major logistics operators, making sure logistics industry challenges are heard

Leader in Public Affairs: Charlotte Whitley, Head of Corporate Affairs, British Land – “Nothing beats really getting under the skin of the issue”

Mace | July 8, 2026

After cutting her teeth in agencies such as FTI and FGS Global, Whitley moved in-house to British Land in 2015, a role that has defined her career as

Leader in Public Affairs: Andreas Bohrer, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, Lonza Group

Mace | July 4, 2026

A lawyer who traded M&A briefs for boardroom strategy, Andreas Bohrer has spent a decade quietly expanding his remit at one of pharma's most critical manufacturers. When the