New head of comms for The Blue Cross

17/09/07

The Blue Cross, one of the UK's leading animal welfare charities, has hired a new head of communications following the departure of Dan Tickle in July.  Debbie Curtis joins The Blue Cross today (Monday 17 September), after 10 years at animal conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

Reporting to Blue Cross marketing and fundraising director Tony Samuel, Debbie will lead the charity's 14-strong communications team, overseeing all PR, online, publishing and advertising activities.

Debbie Curtis, Blue Cross head of communications, said: I'm very excited to be joining such a successful and well-respected charity which provides practical solutions and advice to help Britain's pets and their owners.  Building on the excellent work already done by the comms team, we will continue to raise the profile of the Blue Cross brand while reaching out to new audiences and potential supporters.

During her time as communications manager at ZSL, Debbie headed up the press team and managed the website and membership magazine, driving visitors to London and Whipsnade Zoos and highlighting ZSL's scientific and conservation research.  More recently, she developed a communications strategy for a planned £90 million aquarium project for London's Docklands, and supporting conservation projects.

Her appointment as head of communications at The Blue Cross follows a period of change in the comms team, and comes at a significant point in the charity's history.  Founded in 1897, The Blue Cross is now 110 years old and earlier this year it established a series of strategic objectives to ensure its continued progression over the next five years.

Initiatives which are already underway include: the expansion of Blue Cross rehoming and veterinary services; development of educational programmes; increased use of volunteers; and the development of online resources to meet demand from an ever-changing audience. 

The communications team will play a key role in supporting these developments and achieving the charity's overall goal of promoting responsible animal ownership amongst current and future generations of pet and horse owners.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Images are available on request
Recent changes to the Blue Cross communications team include:
Laura Dobson, new senior press officer, joined in January 2007
Nicole McKendry, new senior events officer, joined in January 2007
Louise Lee, new press officer (centres and hospitals), joined in March 2007
Ziela Haider, new press officer (marketing and fundraising), joined in May 2007

Recruitment ongoing for a new press office assistant

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it re-homes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Media contact

Laura Dobson, senior press officer, 020 7932 4065, laura.dobson@bluecross.org.uk