North Defence Appointed New Public Affairs Director
The military vehicle manufacturer has brought on Katie Mallinson to guide communications amid international growth.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People
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North Defence has appointed Katie Mallinson as its director of public affairs to oversee communications strategy. The move comes as the military vehicle manufacturer accelerates its international expansion efforts.
Why it matters
The company is scaling its operations globally, necessitating a more robust public affairs strategy to navigate international markets. This hire suggests North Defence is prioritizing board-level oversight of its corporate messaging as it expands beyond its West Yorkshire manufacturing base.
Katie Mallinson joins the firm after spending a decade growing her own agency, Scriba PR, which she founded in 2013 and sold in 2023. The scope of her new role covers the firm's global public affairs strategy.
The players
North Defence
A manufacturer of military vehicles with production facilities in West Yorkshire and a European headquarters in Luxembourg.
Katie Mallinson
The newly appointed director of public affairs at North Defence who previously founded and sold the agency Scriba PR.
The details
Mallinson reports directly at the board level to manage the company's communication interests. This follows the firm's recent operational shift involving the opening of a European headquarters in Luxembourg to support its production and supply of military vehicles.
Timeline
2013: Katie Mallinson founded the agency Scriba PR.
2023: Katie Mallinson sold her agency, Scriba PR.
October 2, 2026: North Defence officially announced the appointment.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows the pattern of increased corporate communications hiring observed across the broader European defense industry. This strategic focus aligns with other manufacturers scaling operations and managing public-facing international expansion.
Business operators should note how rapidly scaling companies utilize specialized public affairs hires to manage reputational risks. Monitor board-level changes in your own sector as a leading indicator of strategic pivot points.
The takeaway
Bringing in experienced external leadership is a common signal of a company preparing for significant growth or operational reorganization. Operators should review their own communication infrastructure when entering new international jurisdictions.
Further reading
For more on shifts in industry leadership, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Link Magazine.
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