Xenia Rimmer-Harvey

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT XENIA RIMMER-HARVEY

I’m an experienced storyteller with a skill for building great relationships. I’ve recently started a new role as Principal Communications Business Partner at Network Rail, covering CFO, HR, Route Services, Stations, System Operator & Technical Authority. This followed a stint as Network Rail’s Head of Communications, focused on leading the comms strategy for our HR function with clear, timely, impactful communications on key strategic issues and the journey to Great British Railways.Before that, I was Communications Business Partner for M&S Food. And before that was back at Network Rail as senior communications business partner. This involved working closely with functional leadership teams to deliver punchy comms to hard-to-reach audiences, often on the front line. Previously, I was senior communications manager in Network Rail’s strategic communications team. I helped shape Network Rail\'s narrative and strategy for building a railway that\'s fit for the future. It involved working closely with all types of internal and external stakeholders to make sure our messaging stayed on-point through the ever evolving industry landscape. Before that, I worked in Network Rail\'s internal communications team. I led the team responsible for the organisation’s national internal channels. This included daily updates for the organisation’s internal news platform, video channel and social network, as well as producing a monthly print magazine. I was also responsible for producing and distributing leadership communications to internal audiences, mainly for the chief executive and his team. A highlight during this role was being appointed silver command in the crisis communications response to the coronavirus pandemic, coordinating and advising on comms activity across Network Rail’s regions, functions and stations. This experience was fast-paced, reactive and involved working closely with internal and industry partners at all levels. It was hugely rewarding to play a small part in keeping Britain connected. I’ve also spent time as part of Network Rail’s national media team. Working in the press office, day-to-day tasks included taking media calls, facilitating interviews and supporting on campaigns. I graduated in July 2014 with a 2:1 BA in English (Creative Writing) from Brunel University. Before joining InterContinental Hotels Group in 2016 as Global Internal Communications Executive, I spent two years managing a team of 16 as a Store Manager for Starbucks Coffee Company while pursuing freelance copywriting and PR opportunities in my spare time.