Lucian Hudson
Lucian Hudson | |
|---|---|
Lucian J. Hudson | |
| Education | MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics |
| Alma mater | St Catherine's College at Oxford University |
| Occupations | Board Chair and Communications Director |
Lucian John Hudson (born 1960) is a strategy and communications specialist from the UK, experienced in cross-sector collaboration.[1]
Early life and education
Hudson was born on 5 July 1960 in London to Polish parents, Jan and Wanda Maria Pikulski.[2] He has a degree in philosophy, politics and economics from St Catherine's College, Oxford.[3]
Religion and conversion to Judaism
Hudson was brought up as a Roman Catholic. He was educated by Jesuits but he became interested in Judaism. He converted to Judaism in 2005.[4]
By 2009, he became Chair of Liberal Judaism,[5] developing over his six years in office a vision and strategy for the movement and closer collaboration with the leadership of UK Jewry and the Movement for Reform Judaism.[6] The latter helped pave the way for the unification of Liberal and Reform Judaism into one Progressive Judaism (United Kingdom) in 2025.[7]
Career
Hudson was an executive producer and television journalist for 17 years with the BBC and ITV.[8] He led the production of the first six hours of BBC coverage on the night Diana, Princess of Wales died.[9]
He was director of communications in three UK government departments, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well as the UK government's first "webmaster general".[10] In 2013 Hudson served as an independent expert reviewing the communications capability of the Cabinet Office and No. 10 Downing Street.[11]
In 2020 he was appointed Director of Advancement, Marketing and Communications at Durham University,[3][12] having served as Interim Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the University of Oxford, and Communications Director of The Open University. From June 2025, he became Executive Director, Communications & External Relations as his responsibilities now also include public affairs.[13]
With effect from January 2023, he is also Professor in Practice (Leadership and Organisations) in the Department of Management and Marketing at Durham University Business School.[14]
He is board chair and trustee of Earthwatch Europe, Chair of Tavistock Institute of Human Relations[15] as well as a vice-president[16] of the Liberal Judaism in the United Kingdom.
References
- ^ https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20121212135632/http:/www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/pdf9/enabling-state-v3
- ^ ‘HUDSON, Lucian John’, Who's Who 2014, A & C Black, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing plc, 2014; online edn, Oxford University Press, December 2013; Retrieved 28 February 2014.
- ^ a b "Appointment of Director of Advancement and Communications – Durham University". Durham University. 11 June 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
- ^ "Lucian J Hudson shares the story of his conversion to Judaism". Retrieved 3 March 2026.
- ^ "Liberal elected". The Jewish Chronicle. 15 October 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ^ "Liberal leader advocates 'Federation' with Reform". 10 November 2011.
- ^ "We do! Reform and Liberal Judaism merge in landmark vote". 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Speakers". World Union for Progressive Judaism: Connections 2013. Archived from the original on 18 December 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
- ^ "Channel 5 programme – The Day Diana Died".
- ^ "Leader: Webmaster-general". The Guardian. 3 October 2000. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
- ^ Hudson, Lucian. "Cabinet Office Communication capability review – June 2013" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
- ^ Hickman, Arvind (12 June 2020). "Durham Uni hires comms lead". PR Week. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
- ^ "Senior Leadership Team – Lucian Hudson". Durham University. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
- ^ "Lucian Hudson appointed Professor in Practice at Durham University Business School". Durham University. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
- ^ "Lucian Hudson elected Chair of Board of Trustees". Tavistock Institute. 19 July 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
- ^ "Who's Who: Officers & Vice Presidents". Liberal Judaism. Retrieved 4 December 2025.