North Defence appoints public affairs director

Military vehicle manufacturer North Defence has appointed Katie Mallinson as director of public affairs as it continues its international expansion.

Katie joins as a non-executive director and will lead the company’s public affairs strategy, supporting communications around its growth, founding vision and ethical standards.

She founded strategic communications agency Scriba PR in 2013, growing the business over a decade before selling it in 2023.

Katie subsequently worked as global marketing director for an international environmental equipment manufacturer and now runs Loquiti, a strategic communications consultancy supporting businesses through periods of transformation.

Katie said: “Effective communication is what drives stronger collaboration across an industry, shares knowledge, and helps push change forward. 

“Few sectors need that more urgently right now than defence. 

“Having built my own business over a decade and navigated it through real growth and change myself, I understand how communications decisions land commercially, not just reputationally. 

“This business takes the meaning of agility to the next level – the role means I can advise decisively and amplify North Defence’s voice, when the moments count.” 

Katie’s appointment comes as North Defence continues to expand from its origins as North Fire into a manufacturer of armoured and non-armoured light mobility vehicles for Ukraine and other European defence organisations.

The company recently opened a European headquarters in Luxembourg alongside its growing West Yorkshire manufacturing operation.

North Defence has also raised its public profile through partnerships with organisations including Leeds United and Matchroom Boxing.

Oliver North, founder and chief executive of North Defence, added: “There’s a spotlight on the defence sector right now, like nothing we’ve seen in decades. 

“That comes with real responsibility – to be clear about who we are, what we stand for, and the standards we hold ourselves to. 

“Katie and I have known each other for years, and while our styles are different, we've always agreed on the value of honest, impactful communication, especially when it matters most. 

“Having her at board level means that thinking is now embedded at the highest level of the company.”

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