Former tech journalist and now PR pro, Harrison Polites, continues to grow his agency, The Media Accelerator, and his work at FinTech Austalia stands out as one of his biggest successes. The Media Accelerator has worked with Fintech Australia for several years, assisting them in rebuilding their communications and brand profile.  “When I first started, Fintech Australia was hemorrhaging members, and wasn't sure of its future. People within the industry were skeptical as to whether it would be able to represent their best interests. It now has over 400 members. It gave them enough faith to keep with us, to hold steady, let us do our job and deliver the results that we have for the sector.” Recently running the FinTech Awards night and their two-day flagship event, Polites admitted that it was a huge, but rewarding challenge. “It’s a big job for me of PR, to run an awards night, PR for an awards night and PR for like a major… flagship event. So it's always a big c

Kommune, a PR firm specialising in brand communication, has announced the appointment of Rachna Panikker as its new chief operating officer. Co-founder Roshan Abbas shared the news on LinkedIn, highlighting Panikker’s extensive experience and her ability to transform brand visions into compelling, immersive experiences.  "First, we're welcoming Rachna Panikker as our new chief operating officer! Rachna brings over 14 years of experience in transforming brand visions into compelling, immersive experiences. Her expertise in culture marketing, intellectual properties, and brand solutions is exactly what we need to take Kommuneity to the next level,” Abbas wrote on social media.  Panikker’s previous roles at Hyperlink Brand Solutions and Oranjuice Entertainment have demonstrated her capability to lead high-performing teams and drive innovative strategies, Abbas added.  Her diverse experience spans music festivals, concerts, theatrical productions, and lifestyle events, mak

Amy Northcott has announced that she has started a new position as account manager at Blend Public Relations.  On LinkedIn, Northcott expressed her excitement about venturing into the PR industry after nearly six years in media.   “It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the wine and drinks space, it’s an industry I know and love and excited to be a part of once again!” she wrote.  Northcott will work with Blend’s wine clients including Chateau Tanunda, House of Arras, Taylors Wines and Corryton Burge.  Before this role, Northcott gained experience as a content producer and digital content manager at Gourmet Traveller, a features writer for Are Media’s Homes titles, and most recently, as a deputy editor at The Intermedia Group. Northcott can be reached at amy@blendpr.com.au

BAYLY PR, a communications studio based in Brisbane, has announced the appointment of Courtney Frank as their new Client Director. Courtney brings seven years of experience from Style Media, where she was most recently the Creative Director. BAYLY team shared the news of Frank’s appointment on social media, stating, "We are incredibly excited to have Courtney join our expanding leadership team. She brings a fresh and expert perspective to both existing and prospective client accounts.” “We can’t wait to see Courtney excel in the PR sector, taking the reins of the agency while our Founder & Director, Lucinda Bayly Hickling, takes some time off to welcome her first child," read the post on LinkedIn. Courtney Frank's career includes significant roles at various prestigious organisations. At Style Media, she served as the Creative Director, managing budget, client liaison, and enhancing the creative output of the company. Before that, she was the Content Manager for nearl

Aakash Educational Services has appointed Allan Saugat as its new associate vice president of marketing communications (MARCOMM). Previously, he held the position of associate vice president at Dentsu Creative.  Saugat announced his new role on linkedIn, stating, “I’m excited to begin my new journey as AVP of MARCOMM at Aakash Educational Services Limited!”  Before joining Aakash Educational Services, Saugat served as AVP at Dentsu Creative from 2022 to 2024. Prior to that, he was with Infinity Advertising Services as ATL head from 2019 to 2022, and earlier as business head at Vermillion Communication.   His career also includes roles such as business head at Rediffusion Y&R,client service director at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide and senior brand manager.  With over 19 years of experience, Saugat brings expertise in account management, growth strategy, external PR, industry relationships, P&L management, mentorship, business development, media planning, adve

DViO, a leading full-stack marketing and growth company, has launched a new vertical focused on scaling sustainable businesses securing the marketing mandate for Attero, India's largest lithium-ion battery and e-waste recycling company.   DViO will develop and execute a comprehensive digital growth strategy for Attero, aiming to create awareness about its technology and sustainable solutions. The strategy will focus on scaling Attero's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and ITAD services, promoting lithium-ion battery recycling, and creating demand for green metal.   "At Attero, our goal goes beyond business—it's about pioneering a sustainable future. We champion the circular economy, ensuring resources are reused responsibly. Our commitment to EPR compliance sets industry standards, driving environmental stewardship. By enhancing our brand visibility through our strategic partnership with DViO, we aim to inspire others to join us in innovating, recycling, and leading the