Rhys Blanchard

Manager, Media Relations

Rhys has six years’ experience in communications, with a background in FMCG, CSR, sustainability and issues management. Outside of work, he is a car enthusiast and loves house music.

Rhys Blanchard

Manager, Media Relations

In five words or less, how would you describe
your Weber Shandwick colleagues?

Diligent, dynamic, effective, engaging, brilliant.

Describe Weber Shandwick’s culture in three words

Conscious, explorative, stimulating.

What’s the coolest (or weirdest) place a project
has taken you?

Visiting Abu Dhabi Government’s exhibit at
GITEX Global 2023. Breathtaking.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever seen happen
inside the Weber Shandwick offices?

Last year we hosted our first graduate recruitment
day in Manchester, as part of our partnership with
the University of Salford. It was inspirational to
see so many local, talented and enthusiastic
aspiring PRs at our office.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve
ever been given?

Cold emails can be great! I reached out to Weber
Shandwick’s leadership team in Manchester after
I graduated from university, when I was exploring
my career options. This meant I was front-of mind
when the right position became available.

Who inspires you and why?

My parents, Paul and Paula. They’re hard working,
hilarious, and care deeply about the critical events
happening in the world today. They’re exceptional role models.

What does the ‘Era of Earned’ mean to you?

An opportunity for our teams to showcase their
world-class expertise and understanding of the
media landscape, globally.

What is the best thing you have learnt since
joining Weber Shandwick?

From day one, my mentor Katie encouraged me to
pick up the phone to clients – come rain or shine.
Having direct and honest conversations with clients
has not only allowed me to build close, trusting
relationships, it has enabled me personally to grow
in confidence.

What’s the best opportunity you have had since joining Weber Shandwick?

Working closely with my former lecturers at the
University of Salford to develop and launch Weber
Shandwick UK’s first higher education partnership.
It was a huge moment for the Manchester office,
which has formed a robust junior talent strategy
in the region.

Describe a typical day at Weber Shandwick

It’s hard to define a ‘typical’ day, as my role
is so varied – from media sell-ins, campaign mapping
to team planning and much more! For me, it’s the
variety that makes my job so enjoyable and rewarding.

If you got a place on Access all Areas where
would you travel to and why?

I was lucky enough to take part in the 2023
Explorer Programme – spending time in our Dubai
office. It was a privilege to exchange insight
and knowledge with colleagues from diverse
backgrounds and see how media strategies and
tactics differ across the UAE and MENA region.

Interested in joining us? Search our opportunities here.

Rhys Blanchard

Manager, Media Relations

Rhys Blanchard

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