Former Mango MD launches Smoke Communications Former Mango Communications managing director Tabitha Fairbairn has launched Smoke Communications, a new independent communications agency in Australia focused on helping brands earn attention and cultural relevance through integrated communications strategies. The agency combines communications, content, creator partnerships and experiences, underpinned by cultural intelligence and strategic design.  In a LinkedIn post, she explained that the agency is built on a simple belief that “attention isn’t something you buy – it’s something you engineer.” “We are not a typical PR agency. We deliver cultural cut-through and earn trust for brands by engineering earned attention and activating in the most relevant and impactful ways,” according to the company’s page.  Operating since early 2026, the agency is already working with brands across Australia and New Zealand, with a focus o

Angie Christofis bids adieu to Bespoken Communications professional Angie Christofis has announced her departure from PR and communications agency Bespoken after nearly two years with the firm.  In a LinkedIn post, Christofis reflected on working across a range of sectors, including charities, industry bodies, innovators and multinational companies, helping clients with storytelling, brand-building and communications.  “I’ve learned something from every client, project and challenge along the way,” she wrote.  She is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience working across travel, tourism, property, the arts, and not-for-profit sectors, including Travel + Leisure Co., Flight Centre Travel Group, Wyndham Destinations, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Red Rocket.  She is now open to new opportunities. Lucas Howe joins Canva Lucas Howe has joined Canva’s communications team as corporate and leadership communications

Alura Lane takes up an account executive role at Modern Currency Alura Lane has taken up a new role as an account executive in content and PR at Modern Currency.  She joins the team from Reymond Communications, where she was a PR account coordinator. In a LinkedIn post, Lane thanked Michelle Palmer for the opportunity, stating, “I’m really looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in PR alongside such a strong group of leaders. This promotion comes just over a year after graduating from Washington State University, which makes it a particularly meaningful milestone for me.”  Clodagh Porter becomes senior social media manager at Eleven Clodagh Porter has been promoted to senior social media manager at Eleven. She announced the role on LinkedIn.  Porter was a social media manager for a year, where she handled various clients, including McDonald's, Nestle, Pepsi Co & Henkel and more.  In her previous stints, she worked in the

Marion Beyret named global communications chief at Ipsos Ipsos has named Marion Beyret as a chief communications officer and will lead communications teams across Ipsos' international markets.  Reporting to the deputy CEO, Alexandre Boissy, Beyret will be responsible for the research company's global communications strategy, reputation management and stakeholder engagement.  She joins from Stellantis, where she headed communications and public affairs for Europe, and previously held senior communications roles at Air France-KLM, within French government ministries and the Presidency of the French Republic. Annika Johnson takes up the role of Communications Executive at DEC PR DEC PR has appointed Annika Johnson as a communications executive following the completion of an internship with the agency.  Johnson announced on LinkedIn that she is thrilled to be a part of the team.  She was a sales and marketing assistant at L&R Pty Ltd previously.&

Jared Pollock joins dentsu Aotearoa as head of social Jared Pollock has announced he has joined dentsu Aotearoa as head of social, marking a return to Auckland. In a LinkedIn post, Pollock described the appointment as a return home, saying, “Back home in Tāmaki Makaurau, focused on building social that stands for something - work that understands culture, contributes to it, and earns attention rather than demanding it.” He began his career at Backchat Media in Auckland and moved to Sydney, where he worked across various groups, including Wavemaker, Present Company, DDB, Spicy Broccoli Media, Louis Media, MIK Studio, Nimbus Co and nicehouse. Erin Bouda departs NSWPF Media manager at NSW Police Force, Erin Bouda, has announced her departure, after working for nearly five years across a range of media and communications roles. In a LinkedIn post, Bouda reflected on her time with the organisation, describing it as a privilege to support the work of NSW Police. 

Alex Morley launches PR consultancy PR professional Alex Morley has launched a freelance public relations and communications consultancy after 11 years working in agency roles. Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Morley said he is now available for a limited number of PR, communications and copywriting projects.  Morley mentioned his services include media relations, media strategy, thought leadership, executive profiling, content creation, PR campaigns, product launches and event support. He is currently seeking new freelance opportunities and client engagements. He brings experience across corporate and consumer campaigns in sectors including aviation, travel and hospitality, property, B2B technology and renewable energy working across Burson, BCW Global, Weber Shandwick and LEWIS Global. Cleo Pignetti (Trifonas) departs Woolworths PR and communications professional Cleo Pignetti (Trifonas) has departed Woolworths after more than five years with the retailer’s Media

Sound Story acquires The Comms Department Strategic communications and reputation consultancy Sound Story has announced the acquisition of The Comms Department, marking a significant expansion of its independent communications offering. The Comms Department will continue to operate as a distinct specialist brand alongside Sound Story. While Sound Story remains focused on strategic communications and reputation for creative industry leaders and challengers, The Comms Department will specialise in crisis and issues management, change and transformation, mergers and acquisitions, executive advisory and media training.  As part of the acquisition, The Comms Department’s founder, Bec Brown, will join as a strategic advisor across both businesses, working with Sound Story founders and managing partners Jake Challenor and Brian Lawlor, along with senior leaders Jane Elliott, Zanda Wilson and General Manager Jono Harrison. The move follows a year of collaboration between the fi