AKA Communications is proud to announce its appointment as the official PR and communications agency for Junk Smash Burgers, the European smash-burger concept, as it prepares to launch its first UAE location later this year.The launch is part of ICON Hospitality’s continued expansion in the region, following the rollout of international concepts including EL&N London and Loris Restaurant.

Commenting on the partnership, Antony Rettie, co-founder of AKA Communications, said: “We’re excited to partner with Junk Smash Burgers for their UAE launch. Their bold, no-nonsense approach to comfort food aligns perfectly with our hospitality expertise, and we look forward to building a compelling launch narrative that will position Junk as the go-to burger stop in the city.”

(In the picture: AKA Communications Co-founders, Katrina Kutchinsky and Antony Rettie)

Winemaking and distribution business, Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), has welcomed Stephanie Lin as Corporate Communications Manager. Based in Shanghai, she leads strategic communications initiatives to increase TWE’s corporate reputation, drive stakeholder engagement, and guide issue management.

Stephanie most recently managed PR for Latin American wine producer, Concha y Toro. Before moving in-house, she worked for agencies including Ruder Finn and Weber Shandwick.

Gordon Li has taken on a new role as Media Relations Manager, Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at DBS Bank in Hong Kong.

Gordon made the move into the banking sector after seven years with Hongkong Land, where he got his start in communications and marketing. He most recently handled corporate PR and digital communications for the real estate developer across local and regional markets.