Rob Cowen

Position: PR Consultant

Proudest Moment: Being asked to write a monthly column in The Independent on the same day he scooped a publishing deal for his first book with Hodder.

Background:

Graduating with first class honours and top of the year from Leeds University he cut his teeth on the student paper before following his passion for storytelling south, spending seven years in London as a PR and Communications Manager for sector skills council Skillsmart Retail, while continuing to pursue his passion for journalism  - writing for both The Independent and The Daily Express.

Rob’s gift for a winning story saw him drive high-profile online and offline media campaigns in his capacity as a PR and communications manager at Skillsmart, which boosted coverage by 120 per cent. Devising PR strategies that involved industry leaders, household names and TV stars, he was regularly helping clients win primetime broadcast coverage and eye-catching column inches. He also spearheaded the development of an award-winning industry magazine Retail Therapy with Emap.

Born and bred on the Yorkshire Moors, his love for all things outdoorsy prompted a return to the north and a recent publishing deal with Hodder for his first book, Skimming Stones and Other Ways of Being in the Wild. Set for release in February 2012, it has already been granted the ‘Roger Deakin Award’ by the Society of Authors.

Also a successful musician, his band Rob Cowen & The Dissidents have been heard on Radio 1, Radio 2 and 6Music.