Name PR has expanded its consumer division with the hire of consumer PR specialist Lee Wakefield to lead the department

22 July 2021 - Press release

Building on its excellent foundations within the music business and tech space, Name PR has expanded its consumer division with the hire of consumer PR specialist Lee Wakefield to lead the department. 

Joining from The Rest is Noise, where he worked as an Account Manager leading on fast-paced festival campaigns, Lee will head up the burgeoning consumer division with steer from MD Sam Shemtob and support from Katie O’Leary and Amy Albinson. 

Sharing vital stories within the ever-widening arts world, the team’s focus remains on a community approach with a DIY spirit and building strong relationships between clients, publications and journalists. Connecting with like-minded, multidisciplinary artists and events, the team will be branching out their efforts in supporting the live sector’s return post-COVID and encouraging messages of inclusion and diversity, and innovation. 

It follows successful campaigns with the likes of 51st State Festival, anonymous artist Barton Think’s album launch and the Association of Independent Music (AIM) Awards, where the team launched the first AIM Awards live show at the Roundhouse in 2019 and navigated the pandemic as the ceremony went virtual for 2020 and 2021. These are in addition to past high-profile collaborations with the likes of Jean-Michel Jarre, Stevie Wonder and David Lynch. 

With decades of experience working with cutting-edge technology and pioneering artists and events, Name handles everything from media partnerships and social media direction to breaking news and crisis communications. In an ever changing digital landscape, the team get to the heart of a campaign, whether one-off events, festivals or fast-rising new artists, and ensure their clients achieve effective press support, from reviews and features to playlists, podcasts and video content. 

Head of Consumer Lee Wakefield explained: “I’m delighted to have joined the team at Name PR. With some exciting consumer clients already under our belts, I’m eager to help expand on these good foundations and leave a lasting positive impact on the music industry. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.” 

MD Sam Shemtob added: “Lee brings passion and deep knowledge of consumer to our team of dedicated professionals. We are lucky to have him and I’m excited to see him lead our consumer division into a new era!”