Matthew Beard

I am a director at one of London's largest independent public relations agencies, Four Communications, where I use the skills and experience gained in journalism to advise clients. The work is varied - from advising a global airline to launching a campaign to raise funds for a cultural quarter in the Olympic Park. Prior to this, I worked for two decades as a print journalist on national and regional titles. Working for the London Evening Standard, I followed the London 2012 project for seven years and have reported from four Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. As transport editor, I report on issues ranging from cycling to airport expansion and major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail. I went to a Reading comprehensive school, becoming one of few pupils there to go to university. I studied German at Exeter University and after graduation freelanced as a journalist from Munich, Bonn and Berlin. I'm a keen marathon runner having completed London, New York and Berlin races, and recently qualified as an FA-licensed football coach. I'm passionate about the media and keen to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation hoping to enter journalism or PR.