Simon was Chief Executive of Government Communications from 2021 to 2025, leading more than 6,000 communications and marketing professionals.

He led Government Communications during the latter stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. He created the New Media Unit, which integrated specialists in data analysis, social media content and paid media; developed an award-winning generative AI tool for public sector comms, GCS Assist; and delivered a step change in government communication skills in digital, data and AI through a learning and development programme, GCS Advance, which operated from Apprenticeship to Masters levels.

He was previously Director of Communications at the Home Office, Department for Exiting the EU, and Department for Transport. Prior to joining government, he had a 15-year career in the private sector including senior communications roles at Heathrow Airport.

He now owns Kingsford Strategy which helps clients design communication strategy and narrative and build AI capability. He is also the author and host of Cut Through!, a Substack and Podcast on communications leadership in a noisy world