JLC announce ex-Tesco and Walmart man as head of external relations

The former head of public affairs of Tesco and Walmart has been appointed as the Jewish Leadership Council’s head of external relations.

Bernard Hughes, who boasts 25 years’ experience in public affairs across various sectors and continents, will take up the role in January.

A statement said the appointment is part of a “strategy to facilitate and strengthen the Jewish community’s ability to engage on social, political and policy matters”.

JLC chair Sir Mick Davis said: “Some time ago I set out certain measures that the JLC and its members will undertake to help the Jewish community to be effective advocates for Israel and a just settlement with the Palestinian People.

“One of these actions was to build a capacity for public policy and interaction with the mainstream population of this country and facilitate the work of activists in both London and the regions. Central resource was promised and a key appointment is a Director of External Affairs.”

Chief executive Simon Johnson said he will “add considerable value to the community and his experience will help us with our objectives to protect the interests of British Jews today and ensure the vibrancy of the British Jewish community in the future”.
Hughes – who was also a director for Edelman – said: “This position encompasses the role that I have been awaiting for over twenty years. I am deeply honoured to begin working with a community that I believe so strongly in and have continuously supported.”