Lucian J. Hudson, Director of Advancement, Marketing and Communications

Responsibilities

The Director of Advancement, Marketing & Communications is responsible for leading on the University’s advancement activities, bringing together marketing, communications and development to support the enhancement of the University’s global reputation and influence.

The Director is responsible for the Development & Alumni Relations Office and the Marketing & Communications Office.

Lucian is an ex-officio member of the University Executive Committee, and the University's professional lead for brand and reputation management. 

Professional background and experience

Lucian joined the University in 2020. With effect from January 2023, he is also Professor in Practice (Leadership and Organisations) in the Department of Management and Marketing at Durham University Business School.

Lucian is an experienced board chair, corporate and civil society leader, and strategic communications specialist.

After a career as a journalist and executive producer at the BBC, he has held senior leadership roles in seven large and complex organisations. Since 2000, he has provided strategic counsel to cabinet ministers, board chairs, vice-chancellors and chief executives.

His experience includes managing successful change programmes at the U.K. Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Cabinet Office, The Open University and University of Oxford, putting communications on a more strategic footing. He has also served on national public bodies, including the National Criminal Justice Board.

Lucian is Chair of the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, and since 2016, has been Chair, Earthwatch Europe.

Education and qualifications

Lucian holds an MA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from St Catherine's College, Oxford. He is a certified mediator, a Tavistock Institute trained consultant and executive coach.