LONDON--Ogilvy PR has appointed Phil Reay-Smith to the newly created role of head of media in its UK office. 

Reay-Smith joins from ITV, where he was consumer editor of the Daybreak show. At Ogilvy he will report to UK MD Michael Frohlich.

Frohlich told the Holmes Report that Reay-Smith's hire reflects the agency's desire to put media relations at the "heart of the business". He added that the former journalist's broadcast experience, and proficiency in French and German would also prove valuable.

“Media relations is a core product offering for Ogilvy PR and Phil will play a vital role in ensuring the quality, creativity and effectiveness of our offering," said Frohlich. "Media relations are a critical part of our growing and ambitious company as we continue to drive influence at an ever increasing scale."

Before joining Daybreak, Phil was news correspondent for ITV News. Prior to that, he worked as a correspondent for ITN since 2000.