Responding to growing demand for specialist communication support across Scotland, and a heightened focus on clean energy, Knights MPR, a leading international PR, brand and communication agency has named its first Scottish consultant and sustainability lead; Karen Clark.
Karen, who originally hails from Aberdeen, Scotland, joins Knights MPR’s growing team of experienced communication specialists and ex-journalists this month, and will be based in the North East of Scotland.
In the newly created role, Karen will lead operations in Scotland, whilst providing communication services to Knights MPR’s portfolio of international clients operating in the maritime, energy and manufacturing sectors.
In addition, Karen will support all of Knights MPR’s clients on sustainability matters. This includes how they can navigate risk and opportunity associated with communicating sustainability and purpose, raising awareness of environmental and community impact, increasing transparency of ESG strategies and net zero progress, and announcing renewable energy projects and innovations.
She brings over a decade of experience to the role having built successful PR, content and social programmes for leading businesses operating in highly regulated and complex industries, which includes energy, professional services, and tech.
Having worked as an independent consultant for the last two years, she has grown a client base of B2B businesses focused on renewables, health and safety, and digitalisation, and not-for-profit organisations dedicated to net zero.
Prior to that, she led a global PR and content programme for the sixth largest accountancy network in the world, RSM International. Preceding that role, Karen held senior positions at communication agencies based across Scotland and in London.
By partnering with Knights MPR, she joins a growing team based in London, Cornwall, Houston, Adelaide, Rio de Janeiro, and Singapore, who deliver communication strategy, content, media relations, branding, digital marketing, and crisis and issue management to B2B companies operating globally, which include TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, Lubmarine, and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), to name a few.
Jason Knights, Founder & Lead Director at Knights MPR, says: “Scotland has always played an important role in the global energy landscape, but it is now emerging as a world-leading centre of excellence for renewables.
“Since Aberdeen will be home to the UK’s first ever publicly owned clean energy company, GB Energy, and more than 17GW of floating offshore wind projects will be deployed within 100 nautical miles of the city in the coming years, it is the perfect time to appoint Karen to take the helm of our Scottish operations and sustainability offering.
“Establishing an on-the-ground presence in Scotland means we can continue to empower businesses in the region take charge of their reputation, whilst making a positive and lasting impact.
“Karen’s deep expertise on sustainability issues, the energy transition, and the renewables sector compliments our existing communication and media relations capabilities, and our clients are already benefiting from her leadership and insights across these incredibly important matters.”
The appointment comes at a critical time for many businesses as global warming must remain lower than 1.5°C, which means that as of 2025, emissions need to be reduced by 43% within a five-year period. Furthermore, the year 2025 marks a 25-year global countdown to reach net zero.
Knights MPR was set up by Jason Knights in 2019 after he spent more than 11 years leading external communication and media relations for Lloyd’s Register, an international energy and marine shipping classification, certification and consultancy services provider.
The award-winning agency has been growing its sustainability advisory services since inception as businesses in the energy, maritime and manufacturing sectors prioritise decarbonisation strategies.
Karen Clark, Head of External and Sustainability Communications – Scotland, says: “We’ve seen a monumental shift in the corporate mindset in recent years; the gap between profitability and responsibility is closing.
“Businesses are delivering positive change quickly and at scale, however many face challenges effectively communicating corporate sustainability. As net zero targets rapidly approach; mindful, targeted, and impactful communication has never been more important.
“Coming from and working in the North East of Scotland, I have always been a champion of the region’s strong technical expertise, innovation and entrepreneurial mindset, so I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead Knights MPR’s operations here.
“Partnering with Knights MPR is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside like-minded and experienced communication experts who have built an impressive portfolio of international clients, and develop leading content and media engagement campaigns.
“I am looking forward to supporting businesses in Scotland, and globally, who are committed to transforming public perception, cutting through the noise, and becoming business and sustainability influencers, whilst acting responsibly.”
