Winners 2023

PR and communications 2023

BETTER JOINED NISSAN in 2016 as a sales and marketing graduate, after moving from her native Australia on completion of a law degree, and she has been promoted three times since. Having finished her graduate scheme, she took up the role of product manager, overseeing first the Micra and Juke before switching to take over the Qashqai and X-Trail models. She moved across to PR in 2021 to lead product communications just as Nissan replaced key models, including the new Qashqai and X-Trail. “Tamara has proven to be a fiercely capable and strong PR manager on an exciting career trajectory,” wrote David Jackson, Nissan GB’s communications director, in her nomination. Her achievements include launching a PR influencers programme, which is new to Nissan, as well as managing the company’s press fleet. She is currently being mentored by Nissan GB managing director Andrew Humberstone.

PR and communications 2023 nominees

Faye Hatton, Founder, Straw Hat Communications

HATTON FOUNDED HER own PR agency in 2020 after a hiatus of seven years to raise her children. She started out in the business as an intern at Aston Martin in 2005, before working in motorsport PR and then returning to car making with JLR as a senior press officer. Her clients now include Land Rover tuner Twisted and she cites a story she placed for her client about the last old-model Defenders for sale that generated an estimated 888,000 views for a budget of less than £5000.

Milissa Ordona, Senior events coordinator, Kia UK

ORDONA’S ROLE IS to organise UK media activities around car launches and other events, as well as coordinating Kia’s participation in European and global PR activities, including motor shows and test drives. When she joined the company, she worked in the marketing team on events and sponsorship but she moved over to PR in 2021, after which she quickly picked up a Best PR Newcomer award followed by Automotive PR Rising Star a year later.

Krystyna Perry, Head of PR, Stellantis (Alfa Romeo and DS Automobiles)

PERRY WAS PROMOTED in January to this senior position of overseeing PR in the UK for rejuvenated Stellantis premium brands Alfa Romeo and DS Automobiles after joining Fiat Chrysler in 2016. Her career in PR started at Kia but has taken her across the industry from BMW to Skoda and Dyson. “Krystyna is highly experienced and this expertise is valued by the senior media that she deals with,” according to her nomination from Stellantis communications director Jeremy Townsend.

Suziey Walker, Brand communications and internal engagement manager, Nissan

WALKER’S CURRENT ROLE is to generate positive brand stories around key partnerships such as Manchester City FC and Formula E. She also runs the internal communications strategy. She joined Nissan in 2015 on a graduate programme, moving first into product marketing. Three promotions later, she joined PR in 2021. “Suziey is highly trusted and valued by the executive team and wider business alike,” wrote David Jackson, Nissan GB’s communications director, in her nomination.