Cambridge announces new Director of Communications

The University of Cambridge has appointed James Helm as its new Director of Communications and External Affairs.

Helm, a former BBC correspondent, was previously Director of Communications for the Metropolitan Police, and has also worked in Whitehall and the private sector. In his new role, he will take responsibility for all of Cambridge's external and internal communications, public affairs and public engagement.

Professor Stephen J Toope, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge, said: "We are delighted that James has agreed to deploy his talent and experience for the benefit of the University. He comes with a strong track record in the public and private sectors, which will stand him in good stead for the challenge of operating in a complex environment."

James Helm said: "I’m extremely pleased and honoured to be taking up this post, and am really looking forward to working with colleagues and helping this world-leading university to tell its brilliant story.”

Helm studied politics at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and began his career in newspapers. He joined the BBC in 1994, where he worked as a TV and radio journalist and became the BBC’s Dublin Correspondent.

He spent six years as Director of Communications at the Department for International Development (DFID) from 2010 to 2016 before becoming a partner at Portland Communications. He spent more than three years at the Met, and since last year has been working as a self-employed consultant in the private sector and writing for media.

Helm will take up his new role in early May. He replaces Paul Mylrea, who left the University for health reasons after contracting COVID-19. James Hardy, who has been acting director for the past two years, will revert to the role of deputy director.