Media Advisory: Richard Leonard appointed Head of PR at Toyota (GB)
Toyota (GB) PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Leonard as Head of PR.
Leonard, who takes up his duties today, leads the press and PR team for the Toyota and Lexus brands, reporting to Emma Lane, General Manager, Brand Communications. He takes on the role from James Clark, following Clark’s move to the National Farmers’ Union earlier this year, after six-and-a-half years with Toyota.
Leonard has worked in PR throughout his 25-year career, primarily in agency. He has extensive experience in the automotive sector, notably providing consultancy services to Honda on a wide range of UK and European briefs. These included directing motor shows and events, speechwriting, corporate and ESG reporting, special projects, media relations and crisis management. He has worked extensively across Honda’s wider product line-up including marine, lawn and garden, commercial products and, most recently, energy and charging solutions.
His other client experience includes work with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, 118 118, AXA, Dixons Group and BT. He also took on the role of head of PR at Three Mobile on an interim contract.
Most recently Leonard was a director of Influence Emobility, sister agency to Influence Associates and the world’s first PR agency dedicated to emobility. During his time at Influence he led the European launch programme for NYSE-listed EV start-up Fisker, the global launch of Wiesmann’s all-electric roadster Project Thunderball and a scale-up campaign for EV-only tyre specialist and industry disruptor ENSO.
Commenting on his new role, he said: “I’m extremely pleased to be joining Toyota at such a watershed moment in the industry, one that brings so many opportunities for these amazing brands. I’ve admired Toyota from afar for many years and can’t wait to be part of such a talented team, continuing to drive the business to even more success as the sector develops in this era of electrification and next generation mobility technologies.”
Outside of work Leonard enjoys travelling and live music with his 16 and 19-year-old daughters, the great outdoors and watching cricket.
Contact details
Email: richard.leonard@tgb.toyota.co.uk
Mobile: 07787 697190
ENDS
