Amie Johnson takes up senior role in the health research space

Brisbane-based independent agency, Elevate Communication, has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of Amanda Gormley as General Manager.

In her expanded role, Amanda will lead agency operations and help shape Elevate's national growth strategy, working closely with Founder and Managing Director, Mel Deacon, to deepen client partnerships, drive performance, and continue building the team.

Amanda joined Elevate Communications in October 2025 as Communications Director, bringing more than 18 years' experience in strategic communications, reputation and issues management, executive positioning, and leading campaigns. She's previously held senior roles across agencies in Australia and London.

The announcement follows a string of new client wins for the agency, including its appointment to the Queensland Government communications panel, alongside new clients New Holland Australia and New Zealand, Veterans First Consulting, Scouts Queensland, Christie Spaces, and Townsville Hospital.

Mel said the appointment reflects Amanda's impact and the agency's momentum: "Amanda has made a strong impression from day one, bringing strategic clarity, energy and leadership across our team and clients.

"This appointment recognises the role she is already playing in the business and positions us strongly for what’s ahead, particularly as we expand our work across government and national clients."

Amanda said the opportunity to step into the role comes at an exciting time for the agency: "Elevate is a business with strong foundations, a talented team and real momentum,” she said

"Securing a place on the Queensland Government panel is an important milestone, and I’m looking forward to building on that, continuing to deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients while supporting the team as we grow."

(Pictured: Amanda Gormley and Mel Deacon)

Acwa has appointed Liam Clarke as Vice President, Corporate Communications & Sustainability. Based in Riyadh, he leads the company’s corporate and internal communications, as well as its sustainability strategy, to support its international growth and long-term objectives.

Liam has served as Interim Vice President, Corporate Communications since November 2025, overseeing Acwa’s communications strategy and operations. His latest appointment reflects the company’s commitment to embedding communications and sustainability as core pillars of its long-term strategy, reinforcing the role of transparent ESG performance, stakeholder engagement, and clear corporate storytelling, both internally and externally, in supporting global expansion and access to capital.

Commenting on his appointment, Liam said: “Acwa is at an important stage in its global growth journey, and I am excited to take on this new role at such a defining moment for the company. Acwa has built an exceptional platform with global relevance, strong momentum and a clear sense of purpose. I look forward to working with colleagues across the business to further elevate the company’s corporate narrative, strengthen its sustainability leadership and deepen stakeholder dialogue as we continue expanding across diverse markets. It is a privilege to contribute to a company playing such an important role in advancing the energy transition, water security and sustainable infrastructure worldwide.”

Liam brings nearly 30 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs and sustainability. Prior to joining Acwa, he spent more than two decades at APCO, holding senior roles across Washington, DC, Riyadh and Dubai. Most recently, he served as Head of Global Business Development and Senior Client Counsel. Earlier, he established and led APCO’s Riyadh office as Managing Director and held leadership roles including Head of Strategic Consulting and Senior Vice President, Head of Global Business Management, overseeing operations across more than 20 markets. 

Charmaine Glase has joined global wine company, Vinarchy, as Head of Media and Reputation. She was at Diageo for more than eight years, most recently as Head of Communications. Prior to this, Charmaine was in-house at Wine Australia and also gained agency experience at The Cru Meda + Communications and Liquid Ideas.