The Communication Group has appointed Chris Martin as head of public affairs.

Martin, who will also join the consultancy's management board, joins from ASDA Walmart.  Since 2010 he has been leading a team of communication managers at the retail chain with responsibility for political stakeholder and media relations in connection with property acquisitions, planning, retail development, political issue management and business growth. Prior to this, he spent a number of years in public affairs consultancy, most recently at Bell Pottinger.

Martin joins The Communication Group in early July.