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Angela Balakrishnan

Professional Summary



Professional Overview


Angela Balakrishnan is an accomplished communications and public affairs executive with extensive experience in the public and non-profit sectors. As the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at the Information Commissioner's Office, she leverages her expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications to drive impactful outcomes for her organization and its stakeholders.

Experience Summary



Current Role


As the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at the Information Commissioner's Office, Angela is responsible for leading the organization's external communications, media relations, and public affairs initiatives. She works closely with the leadership team to develop and implement strategic communication plans that enhance the ICO's visibility, reputation, and engagement with key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry partners, and the general public.

Under Angela's guidance, the ICO's communications function has achieved significant milestones, including the successful launch of high-profile public awareness campaigns, the enhancement of the organization's online presence and digital engagement, and the strengthening of its media relations capabilities. Her strategic approach and strong stakeholder management skills have been instrumental in positioning the ICO as a trusted authority on data protection and privacy issues.

Career Progression


Prior to her current role, Angela held various communications and public affairs positions within the UK government, including Deputy Director of Communications at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for International Development (DFID). In these roles, she spearheaded the development and implementation of integrated communication strategies, managed crisis communication responses, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to amplify the organizations' policy priorities and initiatives.

Angela's earlier career was marked by her contributions as a senior press officer and reporter, where she honed her skills in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and content creation. Her breadth of experience across the public and non-profit sectors has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of communicating on behalf of mission-driven organizations.

Academic Background


Angela holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge, where she graduated with honors. Her academic achievements and specialized knowledge in economics have further strengthened her ability to analyze and communicate on policy issues, contributing to her strategic approach to communications and public affairs.

Areas of Expertise


  • Strategic communications and public affairs

  • Media relations and crisis communications

  • Stakeholder engagement and partnership building

  • Policy analysis and advocacy

  • Digital and social media strategy

  • Project management and team leadership


Professional Impact


Throughout her career, Angela has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive impactful communication initiatives that have elevated the visibility and credibility of the organizations she has served. Notable achievements include:

  • Spearheading a award-winning public awareness campaign on data privacy that reached over 10 million individuals

  • Strengthening the ICO's media relations capabilities, resulting in a 25% increase in positive media coverage

  • Leading the development of the ICO's first-ever digital engagement strategy, which has driven a 35% growth in the organization's social media following

  • Collaborating with policymakers and industry stakeholders to shape the public discourse on emerging data protection and privacy issues


Conclusion


With her proven track record of strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and impactful communication initiatives, Angela Balakrishnan is a respected and influential communications and public affairs executive. In her current role at the Information Commissioner's Office, she continues to drive meaningful change and enhance the organization's ability to fulfill its mission of protecting individual privacy and promoting transparency.