Simon Collister

Currently Head of Digital with Weber Shandwick's Consumer team in London.

Previously Head of Digital Culture and Emerging Media with PR firm Edelman's London-based digital team.

As well as delivering digital thought leadership and creative strategy to help clients adapt to an emerging digital society, I have also completed academic research examining the shifting role of political communications in the online space.

Before the heady days of digital communications, I worked across traditional media in PR agencies and press and policy roles with a number of national NGOs helping them influence key public policy decisions.

I am also a Non Executive Director with the Open Rights Group, a UK based digital rights NGO which campaigns to protect civil liberties threatened by the poor implementation and regulation of digital technology.

I have an MA in Modern Literature & Cultureand BA in English and Related Literature - both from the University of York. I also hold a post-graduate diploma in PR from Leeds Metropolitan University.

In addition I am an award winning member of the UK Chartered Institute of Public Relations and was finalist for Young Communicator of the Year (Yorkshire) 2005/6.

Beyond work, a catholic approach to music keeps me sane and reading (especially modern fiction, PR and politics/international affairs) reminds me to always keep asking questions.

The views expressed in this blog are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer.

For more information drop me an email: simon_collister@hotmail.com