Melissa Clark will replace Kieron Higgins. 

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has appointed its new head of communications, with Melissa Clark replacing Kieron Higgins who left earlier this year after five years in the post.

Melissa Clark is an experienced communications professional who has worked as a newspaper reporter as well as an account director for a number of comms agencies in Scotland.

Born and raised just outside of Aberdeen, she studied at Robert Gordon University, graduating with a BA Hons in Journalism.

She began her career as a reporter for Deadline News, reporting on crime, court proceedings, and general news for the likes of The Scotsman, The Times, The Herald, The BBC and The Daily Record.

Moving to PR, Melissa worked across a broad range of clients, providing communications and strategic consultancy for the likes of the Scottish Government’s Organ Donation Campaign, People’s Postcode Lottery, the Small Business Charter, Lloyds Bank and KMPG. 

Melissa spent the last seven years honing her skills at Citypress, where she played an integral role in driving the financial services accounts of the agency as well as delivering crisis communications.

Melissa said: “I am thrilled to be joining such a brilliant organisation. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, there has never been a stronger need for advice agencies like the CAB network.  I’m extremely proud to be part of the team here and am looking forward to shaping the messaging while driving a strategy that makes a real impact.

“This is the 85th year of the network so I’m keen to play my part in helping our local bureaux do their work, and use our unique data to press lawmakers for change in public policy. ”

CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell added: “We had a terrific group of applicants but we chose Melissa because of her enthusiasm and energy. It’s clear that she is completely in tune with our values and will be a perfect fit. She’s been in place for a few days now and we’re all enjoying getting to know her.”