Dr John Slevin
Lead the module, ‘Public Relations and Reputation Management’ on the popular, MA in Marketing Communications degree.
Working life before joining WBS in 2002 was spent in brand and marketing communications and consultancy. My first job was as a media assistant in a London advertising agency, switching after 2 years to the marketing side when I joined Unilever PLC. In the Unilever Group, I worked first for Unilever Export, then Lever Brothers, and finally for Walls Meats. Subsequently my career has included spells as a senior marketing consultant with the Saudi Industrial Development Fund in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, and then as Brand and Communications Manager with Shell International Petroleum Company in Dubai UAE, covering much of the Middle Eastern region. Subsequently moved to Latin America with Shell, as part of a new market entry team establishing a new lubricants and retail gasoline business in Caracas, Venezuela.
My current teaching interests are principally in public relations, corporate communications and reputation management, but i also retain a strong interest in branding and brand management. Completed doctoral studies at Exeter University (part time 2006-13) so I well appreciate the academic trials and tribulations of my students.
My research interest is mainly focused on my principal teaching area. This is, what is the business and marketing value of good reputation, how is it best created and managed and what role can public relations particularly play in this process? I am particularly interested in the role of reputation in creating brand value and brand equity in today’s social and business environment.