Comms duo launch Sedgwick Advisers Communications and corporate affairs specialists Tom Callachor and Lachlan Johnston have launched Sedgwick Advisers, a strategic communications consultancy focused on reputation, crisis and regulatory matters. Announcing the launch of the new firm, the founders said they bring more than 55 years of combined experience across strategic communications, crisis management, regulatory investigations, government, journalism and corporate leadership. They said they have advised ASX-listed companies, private organisations, industry bodies and high-profile individuals operating in some of Australia's most highly regulated and closely scrutinised sectors. Sedgwick Advisers will offer services spanning strategic communications and reputation management, crisis and issues management, litigation and investigation support, regulatory and government affairs, and executive positioning and stakeholder engagement. Explaining the firm's name, Callachor an

Terry Stuart joins Paramount ANZ Terry Stuart has joined Paramount Australia & New Zealand as national senior publicist, where he will support publicity for Network 10 and the company's television and streaming platforms. He announced the appointment on LinkedIn, describing it as an exciting new chapter. Stuart joins Paramount after more than 16 years at Nine Network Australia, most recently serving as senior communications manager. During his tenure, he led national publicity campaigns across television, sport, news and radio, working on brands including The Block, Lego Masters, 9News, A Current Affair, 60 Minutes and major sporting broadcasts. Before joining Nine, Stuart spent more than three years as publicity executive at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, managing media activity for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and MotoGP events. Maxine Reed departs HAVAS Red AU Maxine Reed is set to depart HAVAS Red AU after four years with the agency, where s

Expedia Group hires Jack E. as associate market manager Jack E. has joined Expedia Group as associate market manager, marking a move into the travel sector after almost seven years at Recognition PR and Marketing. Based in Queensland, he will manage and grow Expedia Group’s hotel and property portfolio across Brisbane and southern Queensland, working with accommodation partners on strategy, revenue growth and market performance.  In a LinkedIn post, Jack said the new role would allow him to “deepen his passion for travel and explore the opportunities” the industry has to offer. He joins from Recognition PR and Marketing, where he most recently served as account manager and previously held a series of roles across the agency, including senior marketing consultant, marketing consultant and marketing specialist. During his time there, he worked across clients including Optus, Fortinet, DXC Technology and Logicalis APAC. He also worked at Be Psyched, Rebel Sport

Sarah Murray departs Thrive PR after seven years Sarah Murray is leaving Thrive PR + Communications after nearly seven years with the agency, where she most recently served as group account director and led its technology and innovation division. In a LinkedIn post announcing her departure, Murray described Thrive as one of the most rewarding chapters of her career, having joined the business after moving from the UK to Australia.  During her time there, she progressed from account director to senior account director and then group account director, while also serving as the agency’s in-house media trainer and narrative coach. Murray highlighted a number of career milestones during her time at Thrive, including securing an earned Forbes front cover and seven-page profile for Airwallex, as well as front-page coverage in The Australian Financial Review. She also referenced long-running work with Cisco and thanked Thrive leaders and colleagues including Leilani Abels, Cla

Brenda Younes joins Garmin ANZ as head of marketing, Australasia Garmin Australia & New Zealand has appointed Brenda Younes as head of marketing, Australasia, she announced on LinkedIn. Younes joins Garmin from Supercars, where she led marketing, brand strategy, digital communications and partnerships across ANZ.  She worked in senior marketing positions at Hello Coach, Audika Australia, HIVE Marketing and Events, Bastion EBA. Social Soup appoints Emily Green as director of partnerships Influencer marketing agency Social Soup has appointed Emily Green as director of partnerships.  In the role, she will lead client services and support creator partnership programs as brands continue increasing investment in influencer and creator-led marketing.  Green joins the Australia and New Zealand agency after serving as content and culture strategist at London-based influencer agency Buttermilk.  She had previously held roles with Mindshare, MediaCom, and The O

Clare Hughes joins EVH as communications director Clare Hughes has joined communications agency EVH as communications director, based in Sydney. Hughes joins EVH from MAXMEDIALAB, where she served as communications director most recently.  She previously held senior agency roles, including business director at Ogilvy PR ANZ, client partner at FleishmanHillard, and senior account director at London-based Red Lion PR, where she was also a founding member. Denise Panigiris joins Billini as PR manager Denise Panigiris has joined footwear brand Billini as PR manager. Panigiris joins from Helen Kaminski, where she most recently served as marketing and public relations manager.  She previously held marketing and events roles at Paspaley, King Living, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Business Chicks Australia. Emily Saville promoted to senior account director at Weber Shandwick Australia Weber Shandwick Australia has promoted Emily Saville to senior account direct

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