Christian May

About

Christian May is an experienced media and communications professional who has worked at the highest levels of journalism and corporate affairs. As Head of Communications and Campaigns for the Institute of Directors he shaped the public profile and oversaw the political activity of one of the UK's most significant business membership organisations, steering the Institute through major policy debates and spearheading its public and private advocacy in areas including energy policy, taxation, trade, immigration and labour market reforms. As well as being a regular contributor to national broadcast media on political and economic developments, Christian maintained close relationships with Downing Street, the Treasury and the Department for Business. As Editor in Chief of City AM (2015-2020) Christian grew the daily business and financial newspaper’s readership in both print and online, whilst also launching a number of editorial innovations; a new website, newsletter, magazine and podcast series. He led the editorial coverage of major events such as the UK's Brexit referendum, general and mayoral elections, terror attacks, global political shocks, policy debates and the Covid-19 pandemic. As Editor he interviewed and profiled many of the leading corporate and political figures in the UK, such as Prime Minister Theresa May, Chancellor Sajid Javid, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane and the CEOs of many of the UK's FTSE100 companies. A frequent contributor to the BBC and Sky News, Christian has also debated on Newsnight and the Today Programme and delivered a nightly business and economic news roundup on LBC. He hosted over 100 episodes of City AM's podcast and chaired City AM's prestigious annual awards. He was a frequent speaker at conferences, debates and private engagements. Christian left journalism in December 2020 to engage directly with senior corporate leadership as a strategy and communications advisor. He joined Teneo as a Managing Director, advising the executive leadership of Tesco, Nissan, NatWest and Netflix on corporate, executive, financial and crisis communications. He subsequently became a Senior Advisor to both Hawthorn Advisors and 5654 & Company. In August 2024, Christian returned to City A.M. to resume the position of Editor in Chief. Christian is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce; a Fellow of the British American Project; and a member of the Advisory Council at the Institute of Economic Affairs.