David Boot, former head of public affairs at London North Eastern Railway, has been appointed to the newly created role of UK director of public affairs and policy at the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
He joined the trade body, which represents more than 8,500 members, on Monday (29th September), heading up a 10-strong team.
Boot reports to Richard Smith, managing director, RHA, and has been tasked with boosting the organisation’s engagement with government, policymakers and key stakeholders.
In a post on LinkedIn last week, Smith said: “David brings nearly two decades of experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications across the transport, science and education sectors.”
Boot will bolster the trade body’s existing teams and “further ensure that the needs of the HGV, coach, and van sectors are clearly heard by policymakers in Westminster, the devolved nations, and regions across the country”. In addition, his “experience, insight and energy will be a huge asset to our organisation and our members”, according to James.
Commenting on his new role, Boot told In.Comms: “I’m hugely excited to be joining the RHA at such a pivotal time for the road transport industry. With so much change across decarbonisation, infrastructure and workforce challenges, it’s more important than ever that the sector’s voice is at the table.”
He added: “I look forward to working with members, colleagues and policymakers to help shape a positive future for the industry.”
Boot has held a number of in-house public affairs roles at organisations including the National Oceanography Centre, Gatwick Airport, National Highways and the National Association of Head Teachers. Earlier in his career he spent several years at comms agency Cicero/AMO and was also head of parliamentary affairs at political intelligence firm DeHavilland.