West Yorkshire-based North Defence has appointed Katie Mallinson as its new director of public affairs. The company, a manufacturer of military vehicles, is expanding internationally and recently opened a European headquarters in Luxembourg.
Mallinson, founder of Scriba PR, brings over a decade of experience in strategic communications. She sold Scriba PR in 2023 and now runs Loquiti, a consultancy focused on high-stakes business transformation.
North Defence, originally North Fire, supplies armored and non-armored vehicles to Ukraine and other European defense organizations. The company has also partnered with Leeds United and Matchroom Boxing, raising its public profile.
In her new role, Mallinson will lead North Defence’s public affairs strategy, ensuring clear and consistent communication about the company’s vision, ethics, and role in the defense sector.
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Oliver North, founder and CEO of North Defence, said, “There’s a spotlight on the defence sector right now, like nothing we’ve seen in decades. That comes with real responsibility – to be clear about who we are, what we stand for, and the standards we hold ourselves to.
North added, “Katie and I have known each other for years, and while our styles are different, we’ve always agreed on the value of honest, impactful communication, especially when it matters most. Having her at board level means that thinking is now embedded at the highest level of the company.”
Mallinson said, “Effective communication is what drives stronger collaboration across an industry, shares knowledge, and helps push change forward. Few sectors need that more urgently right now than defence.”
Mallinson’s Recent Career Moves
After selling Scriba PR in 2023, Mallinson completed a global marketing director contract for an international manufacturer of environmental equipment. She now runs Loquiti, a strategic communications consultancy providing boardroom clarity during high-stakes periods of transformation. This experience equips her to advise on communications that impact both reputation and commercial outcomes.
