James Odling-Smee

James Odling-Smee is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in public sector roles. Currently serving as the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at London Councils since September 2012, James previously held leadership positions including Chair of the Board of Trustees at Foundation for Change (2016-2020) and Interim Head of Communications at several organizations such as CSV and South Downs National Park Authority. Additional roles include Interim Director of Communications at the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and Interim Head of Communications at both Luton Council and Camden Council. James’s career began with a focus on corporate communications at Hertfordshire County Council and included a position as Head of Communications at the LGiU. Academic qualifications include an MPhil in Media and Culture from the Baird Centre for Media Studies and studies at the Courtauld Institute of Art and SOAS University of London.