Grayling, the second largest independent global Public Relations, Public Affairs, Investor Relations and Events consultancy in the world, has appointed Katarina De Meulder as Managing Director of a new Brussels-based division to run European Public Policy Communication activities, called "Grayling Public Policy Communications."

De Meulder will be responsible for setting up the division and leading Grayling’s new business activities in the field of pan-European public policy communications, as well as coordinating with Grayling’s European network and assisting local offices in developing their national public policy business.

Michael Murphy, group CEO of Grayling, said: "Katarina has extensive experience of winning and managing major EU information campaigns across the 27 member states. We strongly believe that this will be a great source of business for the group as a whole and will enhance our pan-European credentials and public sector client credibility."

Grayling has one of the largest PR footprints within Europe with over 50-owned offices across the European continent from Birmingham to Baku. De Meulder will report to Grayling Belgium’s CEO, Russell Patten, who said: "I am delighted that Katarina is joining us to head up Grayling Public Policy Communications, as she brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this role. The Grayling network as a whole looks forward to branching out into this exciting new area for our business, and Katarina will play a key part in its development. "

De Meulder said: "I am delighted at this opportunity offered by Grayling to develop activities in my preferred communication field with colleagues from all over Europe and to continue providing support to the European Commission and other institutions in their communication challenges."

Before joining Grayling, she occupied similar positions at Pleon Ketchum, Weber Shandwick and Hill & Knowlton. She has extensive experience in the field of pan-European communications for the European Commission throughout all 27 member states. She has directed EU27 framework contracts and integrated communication campaigns for over fifteen different general directorates of the European Commission and many other public institutions over the past ten years.

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