Former Sun Editor Joins WPR as Senior News Director

WPR has appointed Amy Brookbanks, former head of showbiz and TV (digital) at The Sun, as senior news director.

The newly created role will see Amy provide strategic editorial direction and oversee the execution of major brand campaigns.  Her remit also includes developing innovative media strategies to amplify brand messaging across traditional, online and social platforms.

Amy brings over two decades of journalism and consumer media experience, having worked at Sky, Woman and Now, before spending nine years at The Sun.

At WPR, Amy will shape the agency’s approach to news distribution across national, consumer and broadcast media, as well as advising on celebrity and influencer partnerships.

Jane Ainsworth, managing director, said: “It’s an exciting time in consumer media – the blurring of lines between traditional outlets and social media is creating an ever-changing landscape. For brands that want to grow market share and build engaged audiences, earned media has never been more important.

“We want to shake up our offering by building exceptional news-focused capabilities and Amy is the perfect person to spearhead this. She knows what newsrooms need and her advice and fresh perspective will provide clients with valuable media strategy insight.”

Amy Brookbanks said: “I am hugely excited and grateful for this new challenge at WPR. It is a privilege to be working alongside Jane and such a brilliant, creative and super-talented team of media specialists on some of the UK’s most loved and respected brands. Returning home to Birmingham after 21 years makes it even more special!”

The appointment comes following new business wins for the agency across its consumer PR, B2B PR and social media teams.