Michelle Gordon

Monday 9 April 2018: Michelle Gordon has been appointed as the University’s first Director of External Relations.  Having worked as the institution’s Director of Communications and External Affairs for the last three years, Michelle starts in her new post on 1 May.

Reporting to the University’s Chief Operating Officer, Tim Westlake, Michelle’s role will incorporate a wider remit as she leads a newly formed External Relations division. The new division will be responsible for engaging and influencing stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Michelle will lead the University’s efforts to ensure Sussex’s brand and reputation is globally recognised.

The External Relations function brings together internal and external communications, brand, publications, marketing, digital, public affairs, community and campaigns, events, philanthrophy, development and alumni relations. In her new role, Michelle will also oversee and champion the University’s approach to arts and culture with a particular emphasis on the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.

Commented Tim Westlake: “Michelle has extensive experience and success in bringing innovative ideas and partnerships to life, along with managing and transforming the reputation of some of the UK’s most successful organisations in highly competitive sectors. She has a strong understanding of what Sussex means to so many of our audiences and her ambition for what we can achieve presents some really exciting opportunities for us as we pursue our long-term strategic goals.”

Michelle added: “The University is in a strong position to make more of a difference to our students, staff, alumni and partners, as well as the many communities on our doorstep and around the world. There is a spirit at Sussex that I feel is unique and gives the institution a distinctive identity, particularly in an environment where it’s often hard to stand out from the rest. I’m thrilled to take on this new role and have the opportunity to significantly enhance Sussex’s influence and international profile.”

Michelle has a career spanning twenty-five years managing the reputation and communications for large and complex international and UK organisations. 

Prior to joining the University she had a seven-year career at Virgin Media, as Director of Communications & Planning, where she played a pivotal leadership role in successfully growing the company’s reach and influence. During her time at the company, she was responsible for driving some of the organisation’s most acclaimed initiatives, helping to transform the profile of the wider sector. This preceded six years as Communications Director for a digital start-up and one of the pioneers of broadband media in the UK.

Her career has also spanned numerous senior posts at some of the world’s leading political and public relations agencies including Hill & Knowlton, Gavin Anderson & Company and Burson-Marsteller. Her time in the agency world saw her advising Governments and high-profile international organisations across a wide-range of sectors including healthcare, transport, energy, law, finance and infrastructure.

Michelle will continue to be a member of the University’s Leadership Team.

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Notes to editors:  photography attached.