Headland has hired Jack Smith, a senior adviser to the Labour Party, to further strengthen its data, insight and public affairs credentials.
He joins Headland with immediate effect from his role as a senior adviser on elections and platform planning at Labour HQ. For the past two years, Jack was focused on strategic planning, and data and targeting operations for the party, helping it to better understand and target voters, as well as plan for future elections and campaigns.
Jack has also served in various roles for leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn. As number two to director of campaigns, Simon Fletcher, he acted as Corbyn’s campaigns manager and as his liaison to the Parliamentary Labour Party. Before Corbyn, Jack worked in a variety of campaign management roles in the trade union movement.
At Headland, Jack will focus on the agency’s use of data to plan and execute campaigns. He will also advise clients on political engagement across Westminster and Whitehall.
Chris Salt, CEO of Headland, said: “Jack has a really compelling mix of strong analytical capabilities and political insight. He understands how to cut through the mass of data available today to produce useful, actionable insight. To have a proven record of doing this in what is currently one of the most demanding arenas in Britain is a great testament to his skills. It’s fantastic to welcome him and we’re excited to introduce him to our clients.
Jack Smith commented: “The coming months are set to be some of the most transformative and challenging for business and society in Britain. Understanding the mood of Westminster and the wider public will be vital for our clients. I am delighted to be joining Headland at this time to further their offer and bring my political knowledge and insight to bear.”
Headland has won several high-profile public affairs mandates in recent months, including work for TheCityUK, Pret A Manger and Airbnb. Jack’s hire also follows those of Ben Mascall, formerly Head of Strategic Communications for 10 Downing Street, and Gabriel Huntley, formerly special adviser to Chuka Umunna.