Leonard Forman is managing consultant of the Edinburgh-based strategic communications consultancy Forman & Partners which he founded in 2011 after almost 20 years in higher education advancement and public affairs.

Leonard advises ambitious clients across education, arts and culture and cities on strategic communications, brand positioning, partnerships and engagement helping them focus on innovation and leadership.

Leonard has worked with and advised some of the world’s leading educational and cultural institutions including the British Council, Moscow Kremlin Museums, US-UK Fulbright Commission, University of Strathclyde, University of Dundee, National Portrait Gallery, London, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and The Smithsonian Institution.

Leonard is a senior communications strategist and practitioner and has significant understanding and career experience supporting major philanthropic projects.

A former special adviser at the University of Aberdeen, he played a leading role in positioning the university during its £150million development campaign in European and international markets most notably in the USA.

Leonard established an external affairs office for the University of Aberdeen in Edinburgh where he developed more than 150 projects with civic Scotland partners including governments, national companies and cultural institutions, international festivals and diplomatic missions.

Prior to Aberdeen, he served in the first press and public relations team at the Robert Gordon University where he managed brand communications and public engagement.

Specialist skills

  • Communications
  • External relations
  • Brand