PR News
alt/shift/ welcomes AI specialist

alt/shift/ welcomes AI specialist

Independent creative communications agency, alt/shift/, has announced the appointment of AI specialist, Tommy Hyde. Having worked alongside the agency's leadership team, has been tasked with building proprietary AI tools and systems, whilst working alongside clients to identify opportunities within their teams and business.

The appointment comes as alt/shift/ launches its first propriety tool, The Culture Wire. Conceived by the agency's Head of Social and Content, Damian Davitt, The Culture Wire is an AI-powered system that analyses patterns across media, online conversation and behaviour, and identifies cultural momentum before it reaches the mainstream.

alt/shift/'s Melbourne Managing Director, Sam Vassos, said: "At a time when a lot of people are talking about the impact or opportunities AI brings, we’re proudly investing and implementing smarter, more effective ways to deliver for our clients. Tommy's expertise gives us the technical capability to genuinely capitalise on what AI can do, and we're already seeing the impact of that across the agency.

"In PR and social, timing isn't just important - it's everything. Cultural moments, news cycles, trending conversations move fast, and if you're not structured to capitalise immediately, you're perpetually reacting instead of leading. Our clients are loving the pace at which we're able to bring them genuine opportunities, not missed moments."

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She brings over 17 years of agency and in-house experience across Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. Her mandate includes driving business development, winning strategic client remits where corporate storytelling and brand reputation are central, alongside team growth.

"I love the art and hustle of communications - it suits my high-energy, people-first style. There's nothing quite like the rush of diving into a brand-new sector, decoding its nuances, and turning a business challenge into a killer narrative," said Anusuya. "I am thrilled to be part of FINN Partners because of their strong reputation for combining global reach with deep local insight. I admire the agility and global-local synergy and am ready to go after meaningful remits where brand reputation really matters, while making sure our teams deliver incredible work with love."

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She has experience supporting diverse client sectors across logistics, technology, property, and education such as Pacific Basin, CBRE, Central Crossing, FedEx, New Development Bank, Hong Kong Talent Engage, Lenovo, HP, Honeywell, and BMC Software. Most recently, she was Regional Director - Corporate Communications at Sinclair in Hong Kong. Her career includes pivotal roles at brands and agencies, including FedEx Express APAC, Ketchum, Duhno Marketing, WPP, We. Communications, Archetype, and Adfactors PR.

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POP MART appoints Malaysian communications agency for fan engagement

POP MART has appointed GO Communications to provide public relations and communications support for two fan-focused initiatives in Malaysia.

The first activation was a HACIPUPU artist Meet & Greet and Malaysia-exclusive product launch at POP MART Gurney Plaza in Penang, followed by the Twinkle Twinkle Farm Tales Pop-Up at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur.

POP MART said: “GO Communications has supported us in sharing these stories with the right audiences and building awareness around each experience. As our community here continues to grow, we look forward to creating more fresh ways to reward that passion and bring fans even closer to the IPs they love.”

Peter de Kretser, CEO of GO Communications, added: “POP MART has grown to become such a cultural force around the world and a pop culture icon, bringing its distinctive characters and creative universe to fans across more than 90 countries and regions.

“This global success reflects the strength of its IPs, the creativity of its artists and the passionate communities that have formed around them. Naturally, we’re very excited for this opportunity to help translate that global momentum into locally relevant stories and experiences for Malaysian fans.”