Fri 8th of October 2010, filed under Internet News
Google indicated a new direction yesterday with the creation of a new role. Former UK communications chief Peter Barron will be taking on the position of director of external relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Barron joined Google in 2008, after four years at the BBC as editor of Newsnight. Former Times technology correspondent Mike Harvey will be taking over Barron's PR role, continuing the company's tendency to recruit from the UK's media elite. In addition, unconfirmed rumours are circulating that former Daily Telegraph technology editor Claudine Beaumont will be joining Google soon.
Part of Barron's new job will be building media industry partnerships. Barron told PR Week: "We're already working with the newspaper industry, broadcasters and interest groups on a wide range of projects - from free expression to education to innovation in journalism".
Evolution and privacy
Jonathan Hemus, Insignia Communications director, told PR Week that the move was "an evolution from the primary focus on promoting its services – PR in terms of publicity – on to more of a reputation management platform". The role's focus on external relations will also involve working with privacy groups.
Google's privacy policy has long been an issue, but has been under considerable scrutiny recently thanks to the Google Transparency Report and news that Android apps were sharing user information. Google Street Maps has also been censored this week; however, another newly created position is a Communications Manager for Geo Products. The job description includes "preventing unnecessary regulation or interference that would inhibit our ability to serve our users", perhaps putting freedom of information before personal privacy.
Posted by Rachel Hand
