PRIA Industry News

HTC launches Australia's first 4G smartphone

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:35:50 +1000

Yesterday HTC launched Australia’s first 4G smartphone, the HTC Velocity 4G, available exclusively
for the Telstra 4G network.
An innovation in mobile phone technology, the unveiling was done in spectacular fashion Monday night,
at Maurice Terzini’s latest restaurant, Neild Avenue.

The sleek, and speedy device was reflected through the venue’s dark and uber chic interior, and
its very own custom made Velocity cocktail.
For the first 4G device to be launched in Australia, HTC invited Jesinta Campbell to host the event,
Dan Single to DJ and a range of celebrities, VIPs, technology, fashion and consumer media to
attend.
“We are extremely proud to launch the HTC Velocity 4G as the first ever 4G smartphone in
Australia with Telstra," said Ben Hodgson, Country Manager, HTC Australia and New Zealand.
"HTC Velocity 4G really brings to life Telstra's extraordinarily fast 4G network. Just about
everything is instantaneous, from website browsing and streaming multimedia to rich email
attachments that you no longer have to wait for.”
Guests included Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett from Romance was Born, Adam Goodes and Ted
Richards from the Sydney Swans, Kirrily Johnston, Nova 969’s Scott Dooley, Angus McDonald
from Sneaky Sound System, Jim Finn from Art vs Science and Channel V VJ, Danny Clayton.

The device was subtly integrated into the event through “real life scenarios”, in which guests could
experience the device working to its full potential via video messaging, web browsing and emailing.
Guests enjoyed being amongst the first to experience the HTC Velocity 4G revolution, and
heralding in a new era in communication.

Foraco Engages Fleishman-Hillard As Communications Agency Of Record

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:22:55 +1000

Foraco International SA (TSX: FAR) (the “Company” or “Foraco”), a leading global provider of diversified drilling services, announced today it has engaged Fleishman-Hillard, one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, to partner in the development of a communication strategy to communicate relevant company news to key stakeholders.

“Foraco is a company that operates on the founding principles of integrity, innovation, and involvement,” says Daniel Simoncini, Chairman and CEO of Foraco. “We have a long history of high performance, our employees do outstanding work and are an incredibly talented, yet our achievements have not yet been widely shared. This year marks our 50th anniversary; this is the perfect time to share our achievements and celebrate Foraco’s contributions to the drilling industry.”

Foraco was founded in the early 1960’s and has grown both organically and through acquisition by proving itself as an industry leader in drilling for the mining sector.

“We made the decision to engage Fleishman-Hillard not merely to highlight Foraco’s work but to raise awareness of the drilling industry and the intricacies of this business,” says Jean-Pierre Charmensat, Vice-CEO and CFO of Foraco. “The business of drilling is absolutely crucial to a successful mining project, and it’s rewarding work for our employees because they really have the opportunity to demonstrate their highly diverse and sophisticated skill sets.”

Fleishman-Hillard’s mandate will cover Foraco’s key regions and will focus on internal and external communications. The company will be appearing at this year’s Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention March 4th to 7th, 2012 where Mr. Simoncini, Mr. Charmensat, and their team will be sharing company news in more depth.

“From pioneering new technology, to providing fresh water for communities in need, to investing in a strong and stable workforce, Foraco is more than just a drilling company,” says Bill Walker, General Manager of Fleishman-Hillard Toronto. “We are excited to help share the rich history, current projects, as well as communicate Foraco’s plans for the road ahead, and reshape what a drilling company means in the eyes of its stakeholders.”

MAGNUS strengthens senior team with appointment of Ian Pope

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:21:37 +1000

MAGNUS Investor Relations + Corporate Communication has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of senior corporate communication professional, Ian Pope, as a Director.

With more than 11 years’ experience in corporate communication, media relations, reputation management and strategic counsel, Ian joins MAGNUS as co-lead of the company’s Sydney office. He joins John Gardner (founder and Managing Director) and Dudley White as directors of the firm.

During a career spanning the UK and Australia, Ian has developed a strong track record in managing strategic communication programs and providing executive counsel to a range of firms domestically and internationally. His primary experience covers the corporate and financial services sectors, including private equity, insurance, property, investment banking, fund management and financial technology.

Stuart Kelly joins Hill & Knowlton's Corporate & Financial Services Team

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:13:17 +1000

Hill & Knowlton is delighted to announce that Stuart Kelly has joined its Corporate & Financial Services team as Associate Director.

Stuart comes to Hill & Knowlton with more than 15 years’ experience in media and in corporate and financial communication, with particular expertise in investor relations working in both in-house and agency roles.

A former financial journalist, Stuart joins Hill & Knowlton from a Sydney-based public relations firm, where he worked on a range of listed and unlisted clients in the financial services, technology, resources, utilities and government sectors. His previous roles included Director, Corporate Affairs for one of the world’s largest listed healthcare technology companies, and more than five years at Bloomberg News, where he drove coverage of Asian investment markets and the Australian financial services industry.

H&K Managing Director, Sue Cook, said: “Stuart will be a great asset to our team. He is a strong hire with a wealth of experience particularly in investor relations, financial services and corporate communication.”

Stuart holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Rhodes University in South Africa and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cape Town.

He will report to Catriona Booth, Strategic Counsel, Corporate & Financial Services.

Hill & Knowlton appointed as Wrigley Pacific communications agency

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:46:47 +1000

Hill & Knowlton today announced its appointment by The Wrigley Company as its communications agency in the Pacific region, following a competitive pitch.

Kristen Young, Wrigley Pacific’s Senior Manager - Corporate Affairs, said: “Following a rigorous pitch process, I am very pleased that Hill & Knowlton will be our communication partners in 2012.

“The H&K team’s demonstrated ability to turn communication activities into measurable business results was a key factor in their appointment. Their passion for, and understanding of, the food industry and our specific business needs were evident in the mix of strategic thought leadership and creative concepts that they presented during the pitch process.”

Ms Sue Cook, Managing Director at Hill & Knowlton, said: “The Wrigley account is a very important client to add to our food portfolio, with an exciting mix of consumer, healthcare, business to business and digital communications opportunities.”

Wrigley, a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, will be serviced by Hill & Knowlton’s food+life team, a multi-disciplinary communications offer that combines consumer, health, dietitian, public affairs, corporate and digital expertise.

Ms Cook said the food+life offer reflects growing demand from the food and beverage industry for integrated stakeholder communications.

BENCH PR Hires IDG Journalist

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:03:26 +1000

BENCH PR has appointed Lisa Banks, ex IDG journalist, to work on the agency’s growing list of IT clients. She has been appointed to the position of senior consultant.

Banks was a journalist at IDG Communications until December 2011, writing for CIO, ComputerWorld and TechWorld. She will work from BENCH PR’s new Adelaide office.

Established in 2008, BENCH PR specialises in developing and implementing communications programs for technology and online businesses. In 2011, BENCH PR added The Attachmate Group, C3 Business Solutions, Zendesk, Xero and Lockbox to its client list.

“I’m excited to be working with Jocelyn and her team this year,” said Lisa. “BENCH PR is one of the few PR agencies that I respected when I was a journalist at IDG. They specialise in IT and have all worked in the sector for many years, so understand the technology, the different angles journalists want and most importantly what makes a good story. Jocelyn has given me the opportunity to work from Adelaide and I’m looking forward to working for some exciting clients in 2012,” continued Banks.

Prior to IDG, Banks spent 18 months in communication roles at Creative Territory in the Northern Territory and The City of Tea Tree Gully in South Australia.

“Lisa is a true professional, has an excellent understanding of the ICT sector and is an accomplished writer. She is also passionate about start-ups and challenger brands, which make up the majority of our client base, but most of all she’s good fun and no doubt will be a great asset to the team,” said Jocelyn Hunter, Managing Director, BENCH PR.

Hill & Knowlton to lead PR program for Bayer Animal Health portfolio

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:28:19 +1000

Hill & Knowlton today announced its appointment by Bayer Australia as the communications agency for its Animal Health portfolio. The partnership follows a competitive pitch.

Hill & Knowlton will take responsibility for developing an integrated communications strategy including consumer awareness, professional education and social media platforms, to support Bayer’s companion animal products for cats and dogs.

Ms Reich Webber-Montenegro, Marketing Manager for the Bayer Animal Health portfolio, said: “The team at H&K completely understood our brands and provided us with excellent strategic insights, creative thinking and a communications program that can be truly integrated into our 2012 marketing activities.”

Ms Sue Cook, Managing Director at Hill & Knowlton, said: “Key for Bayer is their understanding that for Australians their pets are part of the family. Having a pet can be rewarding and fun, but it also means taking responsibility for their health. Animal health is a significant industry in Australia and Bayer is a leader in this field.

“We are delighted to have been chosen by Bayer to help support their companion animal brands, which include Advantage®, Advantix®, Advocate®, Drontal®, Kiltrix® and Profender® amongst others.”

The account will be led by Associate Director Polly Lutter and supported by an integrated team with consumer, health, creative and digital expertise.

Scholarship search for star standouts

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:07:12 +1000

The road along the corporate ladder can be a difficult journey and to help female leaders of the future best prepare themselves behind closed doors is searching for the star candidate for its 2012 Luminaries Scholarship.

With the scholarship now in its second year, Program Manager Debra Long, said it was the perfect opportunity for women to expand their leadership and management skills in preparation for the next step in their career.

“The scholarship takes the form of an annual membership in the behind closed doors Luminaries Program run in South Australia and is valued at more than $5000,” Ms Long said.

“The Luminaries Program was created in response to a growing need by emerging women in leadership who are interested in moving into executive roles, to have a support network where they can discuss professional challenges, ideas and insights in a totally confidential environment and encourage each other to extend themselves further to achieve and succeed in their careers.

“The scholarship winner will join a group that is facilitated by one of SA’s leading businesswomen, Linda Bowes, and can draw on her experience working in senior management and chief executive roles in marketing, real estate, local government, the wine industry and the arts.”

Handing over the scholarship reigns is 2011 Winner Melissa Mailler, the Executive Assistant to Crows CEO Steven Trigg.

Ms Mailler said the past 12 months had been a life-changing experience full of learnings and opportunities which had helped to further her career and networks.

“I encourage professional women to put themselves forward and apply for this exceptional opportunity,” she said.

The group meets 10 times a year from February to November with each daytime session running for three hours at an Adelaide CBD boardroom.

As part of the eligibility criteria, applicants must be businesswomen currently working in a leadership or people management role and aspire to move into an executive management position and/or female business owners who are leading a team of employees.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm, Thursday, January 19 2012, with the winner announced at the behind closed doors “Back to Business” dinner on Thursday, February 16 2012.

More information on the scholarship can be found here.

Unicus launches brand new website

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:51:14 +1000

Leading boutique investor and media relations, corporate and transaction communications firm, Unicus Group (“Unicus”), today announced it has launched a brand new corporate website: www.unicusgroup.com.au.

The new Unicus website platform incorporates the latest technology, innovative design, ease
of navigation and ubiquitous communications connectivity tools.

Unicus Managing Director, David Loch, said: “Our new website provides a simple, effective and interactive tool to connect with customers (both existing and prospective), referrers, intermediaries, financial and media community and other interested parties.”

“The new site also showcases our comprehensive and complementary communications solutions based on unique experience, sound judgment, creativity and tactical thinking.”

“On behalf of Unicus, I would also like to thank our graphic design and web development partner, HOOF, for their support, dedication and collaboration during this important development project,” David Loch added.

Prior to the recent formation of Unicus, the firm’s collective experience included the provision of strategic communications advice and counsel to over 50 ASX and overseas listed companies from high growth start-ups to large global companies.

For more information, please visit: www.unicusgroup.com.au
Connect with Unicus: Skype, Twitter and Facebook

Father Bob leads the hunt for Australia's first Stay Smart Online Agents

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:34:24 +1000

The Federal Government has launched its first ever national ambassador search to encourage Australians to Stay Smart Online.

Created by Porter Novelli Melbourne, the initiative will find two Australians to become the country’s first Stay Smart Online agents and be the face of National Cyber Security Awareness Week in June 2012.

The search will be led by 2011 Victorian of the Year Father Bob Maguire, who features in an online video trailer released today. The initiative will be featured on the competition entry site and supported online via the Stay Smart Online blog, Facebook page and YouTube channel. Launch activity nationwide will include street posters, stencil chalking, Avant Card postcard distribution and media relations.