Lodestone hires new Associate to bolster energy and environment practice following 30% growth
The appointment of Ben Russell, as reported by PRWeek here, follows continued strong growth (30%) in 2022, across the business and within the energy and environment practice. Lodestone represents a number of infrastructure and clean energy clients including the Association for Decentralised Energy, Birmingham Energy Institute, the Energy Research Accelerator and one of the world’s largest fund managers investing exclusively in clean energy.
Ben Russell brings over 20 years of experience in frontline government, political relations, policy development, and media and communications roles across a range of sectors. Ben has led public affairs and media relations for a multi-billion-pound nuclear new build project and helped deliver key policy changes at a UK level and EU political/regulatory approvals to support the advancement of vital energy infrastructure development.
Prior to that he held several senior in-house and consultancy positions and has also worked in the public sector, including leading the communications for a high-profile enquiry and report within the NHS.
Ben Russell, said:
“Having worked with Lodestone extensively on the client side, I know how much value and expertise they bring to the companies and organisations they support. So, I’m delighted to now join up with them and offer my own experience to a consultancy focused so strongly on delivering for their clients.”
Martha Dalton, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Lodestone, said “As a purpose driven agency, we are delighted to welcome Ben to the team to grow our offer across advisory, advocacy and action. With exciting developments in the U.K. and globally across clean energy and sustainability we look forward to bringing his significant expertise to current and new clients.”
“Lodestone believes that its actions, not words that drive engagement, advocacy and change and have implemented a clear strategy to expand business in areas that make positive changes to society, continuing to build on a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.”
Lodestone is a strategy and communications agency with a purpose, specialising in driving engagement through education, technology, health and energy and environment. Lodestone also became the first specialist public affairs agency to join the global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact through the B Corp certification.
In 2022, Lodestone was ranked 20th in PRWeek’s UK Top 150 Public Affairs agencies and won Trade Body campaign of the year at the PRWeek Public Affairs awards. In 2021, Lodestone was also among the winners at the PRCA Public Affairs Awards 2021 and was shortlisted for the PRCA Public Affairs Awards Best In-house Collaboration Campaign of the Year, Best Voluntary Campaign of the Year and won Best Campaign in Wales in 2020. Our agency was ranked among the top UK headquartered public affairs agencies in 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2021 by PR Week.