North Defence Appointed New Public Affairs Director
The military vehicle manufacturer hired Katie Mallinson to oversee the company's international public affairs strategy.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you believe having outside communications experts in board roles improves a company's transparency?
North Defence has announced the appointment of Katie Mallinson as its new director of public affairs. She will lead the company's strategic communications and report directly to the board as it continues to expand its global operations.
Why it matters
The hire comes as North Defence pursues aggressive international expansion. Mallinson's role at the board level underscores the company's commitment to strengthening its global corporate presence.
Katie Mallinson founded and grew her previous firm, Scriba PR, for a decade before selling the business in 2023. She now transitions to North Defence, which maintains manufacturing operations in West Yorkshire.
The players
North Defence
North Defence is a manufacturer specializing in military vehicles with significant operations in West Yorkshire and Luxembourg.
Katie Mallinson
Katie Mallinson is the newly appointed director of public affairs at North Defence and the former founder of the public relations firm Scriba PR.
The details
In her new role, Mallinson is tasked with directing the public affairs strategy for the manufacturer of military vehicles. She reports at the board level to help manage the firm's growth following the opening of its European headquarters in Luxembourg.
Timeline
2013: Katie Mallinson founded the public relations firm Scriba PR.
2023: Mallinson successfully sold her company, Scriba PR.
October 2, 2026: North Defence formally announced the appointment of Katie Mallinson.
Market Landscape
North Defence's strategic hiring aligns with the post-2022 European defense industrial expansion trend. This move signifies the company's intent to professionalize its communications while scaling its footprint against regional competitors.
For stakeholders and clients, this change signals a shift toward more centralized communication management from the company's new European headquarters. The appointment marks a move toward greater transparency and strategic engagement as the firm expands its output.
The takeaway
The addition of an experienced communications leader at the board level is a standard move for firms managing rapid international growth. It indicates that North Defence is prioritizing its public image as it scales its military vehicle production capacity.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership changes across the global sector on our People page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Link Magazine.
Live Poll
Do you believe having outside communications experts in board roles improves a company's transparency?
