Yorkshire PR agency hires award-winning journalist and strengthens its media expertise

Harrogate-based Cicada Communications has appointed award-winning journalist Sophie Hazan as account manager – further strengthening its media expertise.

Sophie, who worked as a newspaper reporter for 10 years, has already taken on a wide range of business-to-consumer and business-to-business accounts.

She brings with her a great understanding of the media, and strong news, feature and digital writing skills.

Cicada is also celebrating the promotion of former newspaper journalist Clare Walker to senior account manager.

Di Burton, managing director of Cicada Communications, said: “Sophie brings with her great insight and understanding of the media, first-class writing skills and has already shown a natural flair for PR.

“She is a real asset to the team and we wish her every luck in her new post, while we are delighted to announce Clare’s well-earned promotion.”

Sophie spent most of her latter career at the Yorkshire Evening Post, specialising in political and consumer affairs. She also contributed to its sister title, the Yorkshire Post, and assisted on the Evening Post newsdesk.

She won a number of accolades while working as a journalist, including Northern Print Journalist of the Year, O2 Journalist of the Year and Yorkshire Reporter of the Year.

Clare, who joined Cicada in May 2012, is a former Yorkshire Post health correspondent. She works predominantly on business-to-business client accounts, including Langleys Solicitors and NGC Networks business telecommunications specialists. Clare also heads up Cicada’s PR account for Finance Yorkshire.