Williams Nicolson hires Mary Walsh as strategic advisor

Mary was formerly the communications director on the executive committee of cross-Channel rail service, Eurostar, for eleven years, and prior to that, led the communications for Lloyds Banking Group.

At Eurostar, Mary led the external and internal communications building one of the strongest consumer-facing brands in the market. She also supported the recapitalisation of the business during the pandemic and was instrumental in delivering an impactful environmental and community programme promoting the company’s positive ESG credentials.

As Director of Corporate Relations at Lloyds Banking Group, Mary led communications supporting a series of high profile M&A, regulatory reviews and a wide-reaching campaign, in conjunction with Government, to reinforce the Group’s pioneering flexible working practices.

Mary is on the Board of Cruse, the bereavement support charity, and is an advisor to the Government-sponsored FTSE Women Leaders Review focused on increasing the representation of women on FTSE 350 Boards and Leadership Teams.

Williams Nicolson co-founder and partner, Louise Nicolson, commented: “Mary’s extensive experience in leading communications in complex, regulated businesses is invaluable. An early adopter of ESG, and a passionate advocate for equality and equity, she will be a phenomenal asset to our team.”

Commenting on the new role, Mary said: “I am delighted to join Williams Nicolson at this important stage in their development and look forward to helping the team maximise the growth opportunities and propel the business forward.”  

Mary will work alongside Williams Nicolson’s chairman, Nick Bowers who previously held leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank, and special advisors Phil McManus, Paul Kelly and Paul Newman.