She’s had a good inquest, but the telegenic Katharine Witty has a tough job as Mohamed Al Fayed’s spokesperson judging from the experience of those who’ve gone before. Hadley Freeman discusses the challenge of the role in The Guardian’s G2 section (free registration required).
Whether it is indeed the hardest job or not, it certainly must rank among the toughest. The key for any PR is to have the respect from a client – even the biggest ego-maniacs. Tempering a client’s fiery opinions is often part of the job, particularly when dealing as we do with entrepreneurs and owner managers and if you don’t have their respect and trust you won’t be able to do this. Another important aspect is believing in what you’re saying and having the self-respect to back off from unethical, immoral and unsunbstantiated commentary. I very much hope Ms Witty believes passionately in what she is saying.
Given the ongoing Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed case, Katharine Witty has an unenviable task of showing Mohammad Al Fayed in a positive limelight. Given his accusations against the royal family and particulary Prince Phillip, it is definately not a job for the faint hearted!