Andy is a former Deputy Head of International News at Sky News and Managing Editor at ITN Productions. He will work closely with Blakeney’s leadership team to support the consultancy’s clients with strategic media counsel, crisis, and issues communications as well as content and editorial support. He has more than 25 years’ experience in editorial roles – starting as a reporter on a local newspaper in Newcastle before moving to cover national stories with the Press Association in London and then making the jump into TV news with Sky.

The bulk of his 16 years with the broadcaster were spent as a Senior International News Editor and Deputy Head of International News. He led teams covering the Arab Spring in Libya and Egypt, the Iraq War, the Indian Ocean Tsunami, and the Taliban in Pakistan – which won an International Emmy.

Then, as Commissioning Editor for Digital Content, Andy helped the channel create more online & social impact with its TV reports. Prior to joining Blakeney, he was Managing Director of ITN Productions – creating & maintaining commercial partnerships with overseas broadcasters and digital platforms.

Fellow former journalist Piers Scholfield brings a string of formidable editorial achievements in almost 20 years with the BBC, NBC, and Sky News. He has joined Blakeney to further grow its successful climate communications practice and support its clients with global media strategies.

After starting his career with the BBC World Service, he went on to spend 17 years with the corporation – working as a producer in Washington, Output Editor on Newshour, Senior Europe Producer and Africa Producer.

He covered Obama’s election and inauguration, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2011 Arab Spring and was based in the BBC’s Brussels bureau as Europe witnessed numerous terrorist attacks, a migration crisis, and the fallout from the Brexit referendum.

In 2019, Piers joined NBC News before moving on to Sky News, where he launched the Daily Climate Show - the UK’s only daily news programme dedicated to the crisis – and, more recently, the weekly Climate Show with Tom Heap.

“We are delighted to welcome Andy and Piers to the Blakeney team. Our clients have to deal with complex communication challenges and shifting news agendas daily, so it’s critical we have a team with a deep understanding of how to work effectively with the media.

We have built a strong climate consultancy practice within Blakeney - advising climate technology leaders and working on global initiatives to bring transparency and rigour to environmental claims.

Piers’ expertise will further strengthen Blakeney’s position as one of the world’s leading climate communication advisors.

Together, Andy and Piers will deliver insightful media strategies alongside engaging and impactful content, enabling our clients to tell their stories across multiple channels.”

Michael Pooley, Blakeney Managing Partner